Anheuser-Busch announced enhancements to its U.S. commercial leadership team to further support the company's commercial strategy. The new commercial leadership team brings more than 60 years of combined experience building brands and driving growth in the U.S. and other markets worldwide.

"Over the last four years, we have developed and implemented a clear and consistent consumer-first strategy that has resulted in strong momentum for our U.S. business," said Brendan Whitworth, CEO, Anheuser-Busch. "The new commercial structure we are announcing today, along with key leadership changes, will make us better partners to our wholesalers and retailers, ultimately accelerating our momentum in the U.S."

First, Kyle Norrington, currently President of Labatt in Canada, will assume a new role as U.S. Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing Sales and Marketing in the U.S.  During his time leading the business in Canada, Norrington developed and implemented the Canada 10YP, resulting in the gain of a full share point in 2020 driven by the outperformance of above core brands, led by Michelob Ultra. He also step-changed the Beyond Beer portfolio and performance through innovation, organic growth, and strategic acquisitions like Nutrl Vodka Soda, solidifying Labatt as the clear market leader in this booming category. Prior to leading Labatt, Norrington was based in New York where he oversaw Global Brands at AB InBev, including Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Corona. During that period Norrington was deeply involved in the U.S. business, working closely with the U.S. commercial team to implement innovative brand building initiatives. After joining the company as a sales rep, Norrington's 21-year career at AB InBev has spanned various roles in both the Sales and Marketing functions.

Second, Simon Wuestenberg, currently President of Anheuser-Busch's wholly owned distributor business unit AB One, is appointed U.S. Chief Sales Officer. Wuestenberg joined the U.S. business over 5 years ago and has served in several leadership positions prior to his current role in AB One. Most recently, Wuestenberg was the Midwest Region Vice President of Sales where, under his leadership, market share grew for three straight years following 8 years of decline. He also previously served as the Vice President of On-Premise, where he oversaw strategic reallocation of resources and grew market share with national customers, turning around a two-year decline.

Marcel Marcondes, currently U.S. Chief Marketing Officer, is transitioning to a new role within AB InBev that will be announced at a later date. Marcondes has been integral to the creation and execution of Anheuser-Busch's consumer-first strategy, completely changing the way that Anheuser-Busch approaches marketing.

Benoit Garbe, currently U.S. Chief Strategy Officer, has been named U.S. Chief Marketing Officer. Garbe brings over 20 years of marketing as well as strategic brand and portfolio experience, both in the U.S. and around the world, working with companies like Diageo, Nike, LVMH, and AB InBev, as well as advising numerous CMOs in CPG, tech, hospitality and retail. Since joining Anheuser-Busch, Garbe has been instrumental in fostering a higher degree of commercial alignment and integration to support the company's strategy and accelerate growth. Additionally, Garbe's experience with data and insights, combined with his experience leveraging brand purpose, has brought a refreshed view of the company's approach to key regions and demographics to unlock consumer-centric growth.