USA: The Beer Institute to be headed by MillerCoors’ president

Tom Long, MillerCoors LLC’s president and chief commercial officer, was elected to a two-year term as the chairman of the Beer Institute at the group’s board meeting, the Associated Press reported on July 31.

He is to replace August A. Busch IV, president and chief executive officer of U.S. industry leader Anheuser-Busch Cos. Busch completed his term as chairman and will now serve as vice chairman, the group said.

Long recently took his post at MillerCoors. He previously served as Miller Brewing Co.'s chief executive officer. That company, a unit of London-based SABMiller PLC, began operating in July with Molson Coors Brewing Co. as MillerCoors.

Miller, the nation's second largest brewer, and Molson Coors, the nation's third largest brewer, have combined their U.S. business to save on costs and better compete against Anheuser-Busch.

05 August, 2008