United States: AB InBev’s US marketing executive to leave the company amid falling sales

The top U.S. marketing executive of AB InBev NV is leaving the brewer amid sluggish sales of Bud Light and Budweiser, The Wall Street Journal reported on January, 6.

Keith Levy, vice president of marketing for Anheuser-Busch Inc., is leaving the company "to pursue other opportunities," according to a prepared statement from Dave Peacock, president of the U.S. division. "We thank Keith for his contributions to our company and wish him the best in his next endeavors," Mr. Peacock said.

Mr. Levy joined the U.S. beer maker, which controls roughly half of all beer sales in the country, in 1987. He led the marketing division in the wake of the $52 billion combination of InBev NV and Anheuser-Busch Cos. in 2008, which created the world's largest brewer by sales.

In 2009, the first full year after the deal, Bud Light recorded its first decline in sales volume since the brand entered the market in the early 1980s. Some industry observers have blamed lacklustre advertising efforts for part of Bud Light's woes. The weak economic recovery and high unemployment also have contributed to softer sales for some major beer brands in the U.S.

Frank Abenante, global vice president of brands and insights for the company, temporarily will lead the marketing effort in the U.S. Mr. Abenante joined Belgium-based AB InBev in 2007 and has worked in marketing with companies such as Unilever and E. & J. Gallo Winery.

12 January, 2011