On September 1, 2005, Thomas Amstutz, aged 38, will become the new CEO of Feldschlösschen Beverages Ltd. Currently a member of Group Management of the firm Hero, Mr. Amstutz has many years’ experience as a Chief Executive, as well as heading the marketing and sales functions.
At Feldschlösschen Beverages Ltd., Thomas Amstutz will succeed Erwin Flückiger, who passed away last October. Until Thomas Amstutz takes the reins, Thomas Metzger, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy CEO, will continue to head the company on an ad interim basis. “We are very pleased to have found a proven marketing and sales specialist for this demanding position,” said Nils S. Andersen, CEO of Carlsberg Breweries, the parent company of Feldschlösschen Beverages Ltd. “The new CEO will be orienting a major part of his efforts toward the market and the customers.” At the Hero Group, Thomas Amstutz is currently responsible for Switzerland and for the firm’s group companies in Italy, France, the Netherlands and Japan, as well as for the fruit category. After earning his degree in economics at the Hochschule St. Gallen (HSG) in 1992, Mr. Amstutz worked for Unilever in Zurich and Paris before moving to Hero seven years ago. There, he was appointed Head of Marketing and Sales, followed by five years in the position of Managing Director of Hero Switzerland. Last year he was named in addition to the company’s Group Management. “I am fascinated by the famous brands Feldschlösschen possesses, and I can really identify with them,” says Mr. Amstutz. “This new challenge is one I am going to take on with all my enthusiasm, and I am truly looking forward to working with the Feldschlösschen team.” Thomas Amstutz grew up in the so-called “lake country” of the Canton of Berne. He is married and has two sons. From 1988 to 1991 he played handball for St. Otmar in St. Gallen, which is a first division team. Feldschlösschen Beverages Ltd. is Switzerland’s leading beverages company, producing and distributing 14 of its own beer and mineral water brands, among which are the beers Feldschlösschen, Cardinal and Carlsberg, as well as the mineral waters Rhäzünser, Arkina and Passugger. At 25 different locations, including six production facilities, the company employs a staff totaling 1,700. Since its acquisition in the year 2000 by the Carlsberg Breweries, Feldschlösschen Beverages Ltd. no longer publishes its financial statements.