Asahi Beverages has announced the retirement of Peter Margin as Chairman of Asahi Holdings Australia (AHA).

The drinks group said Margin decided it was the right time to retire as Chairman of AHA, following the successful integration of Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) into the business in June this year.

Asahi bought CUB for $16billion and announced in August that Asahi Premium Beverages and Carlton and United Breweries would combine and operate under the CUB brand.

“It has been an immense privilege and an incredibly professionally rewarding experience to see Asahi Beverages’ unparalleled growth and success over the past five years, as well as complete its succession planning,” Margin said.

“The company is exceptionally well positioned to continue on its ambitious plans for growth. The company’s customers, partners and employees are in great hands. I will now be concentrating on my other Board directorships.”

Margin’s other board seats include Bega Cheese, which recently purchased the Lion dairy and drinks business. He is also a director of fruit and vegetable processor Costa Group and Nufarm Ltd.

Roland van Bommel, Acting Chairman of AHA, paid tribute to Margin.

“Peter has been an exceptional leader of AHA. He can be very proud of the company’s strong growth over the past five years,” he said. “I wish Peter all the best for the future. He leaves the business in great shape.”

Van Bommel further noted that: “It’s business as usual for Asahi Beverages. The business and its executive team, under the leadership of Group CEO Robert Iervasi, continues to deliver as we have seen with the seamless integration of CUB into the Asahi Beverages family. Asahi Beverages is proud to now have the leading drinks portfolio in Australia.”

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