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Interbrew has appointed the first marketing director for its

flagship Stella Artois brand. The appointment is part of a department

rejig by marketing director Richard Evans to emphasise growth

brands.

Jo Franks, marketing controller for Stella Artois, takes up the

position, reporting to Evans. Franks has been with the company for four

years.

She joined as Murphy's marketing manager and has worked on Stella Artois

for the past 18 months.

Franks will take charge of the brand's pounds 15m marketing spend and

oversee a growing Stella marketing team, which includes the new role of

head of NPD. 'The creation of this post reflects the increasing

importance of the Stella Artois brand to Interbrew,' she said.

Stella is the best-selling premium lager brand, top take-home alcoholic

drink brand by value and volume, and number four grocery brand in the

UK.

Evans has also named Phil Rumbol as Interbrew brands director. Rumbol,

who was previously head of sponsorship in the customer and consumer

insight division, will handle the company's other drinks brands,

including Boddingtons, Rolling Rock, Hoegaarden and Vodka Source.

He will oversee areas including internet initiatives, quality

co-ordination and sponsorship activity.

A new division, Research Insights, will assist the brand teams. A

director for the division has yet to be recruited.

Stuart MacFarlane retains his role as customer marketing director, with

an expanded remit for innovation and point-of-purchase activity.

The restructure of the department comes a month after Evans' appointment

as Interbrew UK marketing director. He replaced Stewart Gilliland, who

was promoted to managing director.