Former Carlton & United Breweries CEO Ari Mervis has been appointed as the new Chair of Endeavour Group.

The Endeavour Group Board has announced that it has appointed Mervis and Peter Margin as independent Non-executive Directors, with Mervis also being appointed as Chairman of the Board.

Both appointments are effective from 27 March 2024, following receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals and completion of probity processes.

The Australian Financial Review described Mervis as “a newcomer who obviously isn’t scared of big and forceful shareholders’.

Mervis said: “I am honoured to be starting today as Chair of Endeavour Group, which is home to the leading brands in drinks retailing and some of the best hospitality venues in the country. I am excited about the prospects for the Group and supporting management in driving the next phase of the company’s growth. I am looking forward to delivering improved outcomes for all shareholders.”

Mervis has a long history in the drinks industry. He spent 27 years with global beer giant SAB Miller and was CEO of CUB.

His appointment as Chair follows a turbulent period for Endeavour Group. Current Chair Peter Hearl retired from the Board in what has been described as a “peace deal”.

Major shareholders were were frustrated by Endeavour Group’s operating performance and its share price, while a public war had broken out between the Mathieson Group and Endeavour.

The Board and the Bruce Mathieson Group are continuing to progress a replacement nominee for Bruce Mathieson Junior who was announced in January 2024 as also stepping down from the Board.

Mathieson Junior’s resignation will take effect on 30 June 2024, or on an earlier date agreed between him and the Board.

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