Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish independent brewer Innis & Gunn has today (March 7, 2016)
announced the appointment of Neil Innis Sharp as General Manager - USA. The Edinburgh based
company has maintained a relationship with Sharp, brother of Innis & Gunn’s Founder & Master
Brewer, Dougal Gunn Sharp, since 2007 when he was instrumental in the brand’s launch and early
success in its largest export market, Canada. He also went on to help develop Innis & Gunn’s
business in Sweden, where the brand is now the top imported ale in the market. As a long standing
supporter and advocate of the company, Neil’s return is welcomed wholly by the team at Innis &
Gunn and by his brother, Dougal.
Dougal Sharp commented: “Neil has a wealth of experience in the drinks business and was integral to
our early launch of Innis & Gunn into the Canadian and Swedish markets. His appointment comes at
a time when we are gearing up for a period of accelerated growth in the US. It’s a hugely
competitive market and Neil will be instrumental in driving our business strategy with the support of
our newly appointed importer United States Beverage. It’s an exciting time for the brand and I am
thrilled to have my brother back on board.”
Neil returns to Innis & Gunn from leading global drinks business Pernod Ricard, where he worked in
various strategic consumer marketing roles within their European Travel Retail division. The brands
he worked with include Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Absolut Vodka and
Beefeater Gin. Sharp delivered brand growth, innovation and consumer activation programs for
these successful brands. Sharp will work closely with I&G USA Managing Director, Dan Deluca and
newly appointed importer United States Beverages on an accelerated growth program to further
develop and strengthen Innis & Gunn’s position in the US market.
Commenting on his appointment, Neil Sharp added; “Innis & Gunn is a truly entrepreneurial business
and I am incredibly proud of the huge success my brother and the team have achieved to date. The
company is renowned for its brewing quality and craftsmanship and is fast becoming a global success
story. I am delighted to return to the business at a time when craft beer has never been more
popular or exciting, to help strengthen our position in the USA, a leading craft beer market.”
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