Carlsberg Announces Change of Managing Director

[Event]

Headed over to Luna Bar atop the Pacific Regency Hotel Suites in Kuala Lumpur on 8 June 2013 for the farewell party for Carlsberg Malaysia’s Managing Director Soren Ravn and the welcome party for the new managing director Henrik Anderson.

Soren Ravn, who turns 40 this year, is the man in charge of the Malaysia and Singapore operations has been promoted to CEO, Carlsberg Greater China, effective 1 July 2013. He will hand over his current portfolio to Henrik Juel Andersen, the current Regional CEO, Carlsberg Indochina.

Carlsberg Greater China covers China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan and is a critical part of the Carlsberg Group’s growth platform in Asia. As compared to the single brewery here in Shah Alam, Carlsberg Greater China comprises of 41 breweries, with more than 15,000 employees producing around 3 billion litres of annual beer sales. Carlsberg Greater China is definitely one of the most significant and largest volume contributors to the Carlsberg Group globally.

Well they’ve certainly appointed the best man for the job as Soren has really grown the brand’s revenue, profit and recognition here in Malaysia amid tough competition, strict government regulations and high tax.

Nevertheless I’m really sad to see him relocate to Hong Kong as over the past 3+ years he’s grown to be a good friend.

A nice ice-cold beer to start off the night. We got to choose from a wide range of beers and ciders under the Carlberg Malaysia portfolio including Carslberg, Kronenbourg 1664, Somersby, Asahi Super Dry, and Grimbergen.

With Soren, Ju Nn and Natalia Mei (Miss Universe Malaysia 2013 1st runner up)

MHB's Sarah Low was performing with a jazz band and keeping the guests entertained — MHB’s Sarah Low was performing with a jazz band and keeping the guests entertained

Spotted celebrity couple Joey G and Patricia K

MHB's Miss World Malaysia 2012 Lee Yvonne, Stephanie Lim, and Mynn Lee with our friends Linora Low, Rachel Tan and Leona. — MHB’s Miss World Malaysia 2012 Lee Yvonne, Stephanie Lim, and Mynn Lee with our friends Linora Low, Rachel Tan and Leona.

Taking over the reins from Soren will be Henrik Juel Andersen, a Dane aged 46, who is currently the Regional CEO of Carlsberg Indochina, a position he has held for the past five years and delivering excellent growth in the Indochina region with revenues and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) increasing significantly over a 5-year period, driven by a strong mix of organic growth and well executed acquisitions.

Before being appointed to helm Carlsberg Malaysia, Henrik has held General Management positions for Carlsberg in Vietnam, China and Taiwan.

Carlsberg Malaysia is confident that Henrik Andersen can continue the strong growth and good momentum established in Malaysia and Singapore over the last few years.

Exciting times lay ahead I believe and we look forward to working with Henrik as we did with Soren. Wonder if Henrik raps though… But as Henrik is touted as one of Carlsberg’s most experienced leaders in Asia I’m sure having him here will help drive the strategic agenda as well as strong execution in the Malaysian and Singaporean markets.

Helping him accomplish this will be Carlsberg Malaysia’s existing strong cooperation with the supportive media, business partners and customers in Malaysia and Singapore.

They also unveiled some new beer cocktails such as the Long Cool Dane, French Kiss, and the Soren Slammer (L-R)

The core ingredients of the cocktails:

Soren Slammer = Asahi Super Dry

French Kiss = Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc + orange juice

Long Cool Dane = Carlsberg + Somersby

and

introducing my very own creation! I call it Asabi! Just mix 50% Asahi Super Dry with 50% Somersby cider! For an extra kick add a shot of whisky! BTW I call that Wasabi).