Heron and Brearley continues to strengthen its leadership structure and recognise the long-term achievements of its senior staff as two new appointments from within the group are announced. Leading the way in the restructure, Steve Pickett has been appointed managing director, wholesale and logistics. Mr Pickett, 42, joined the group in 2000 after an accomplished career in the UK, first in the licensed trade and later in freight distribution. At Heron and Brearley he has headed the formation and growth of the group’s logistics and contracts division Trade Distribution, developed a successful third-party logistics service and led an acquisition programme locally and in the UK. His leadership responsibilities extend to Island Automatics, providers of vending equipment and gaming machines to the licensed trade, and also to Okells where well known head brewer Dr Mike Cowbourne continues as director of production. Mr Pickett said: ‘At the heart of our business is our drive to ensure we have a robust network in place to deliver the right products to the right customers at the right time. My expanded role is about consolidating management of the group’s logistics and wholesaling divisions and streamlining communication with our trade customers and our people. Importantly it is an affirmation of the group’s re-invigorated commitment to deliver high-level standards of service across all its operations and implement measures that will contribute to supporting the industry in these difficult trading times.’ Group managing director Ian Lennox said: ‘Steve Pickett is a highly motivated leader with a strong sense of entrepreneurial spirit who has the skills to react decisively to the unprecedented changes that we, in the industry, are experiencing. It is against this background, with Steven Taylor having already been appointed managing director of on-trade retail and Peter Whittaker as managing director of convenience retail, that I am confident we are ideally placed to present a dynamic and highly motivated leadership team to our growing number of customers at home and further afield.’ Further strengthening the leadership team, Steve Mitchell has been appointed director of wholesale and brands, consolidating his 30 years with Heron and Brearley, having begun his career with the group back in 1981 at the Falcon Brewery. Mr Mitchell said: ‘My appointment, as with that of my colleague Steve Pickett, reflects the importance the group places on listening and responding to its customers - in the trade, in the pubs and in our retail outlets. Against a background of operating in a challenging trading climate it’s important we source the right products at the right prices; in short, that our group buying, stock control and brand promotion strategies become smarter.’ Ian Lennox continued: ‘Steve Mitchell is already very well known in the Isle of Man’s wholesale and logistics arenas and exemplifies the loyalty and commitment of our staff. His collective expertise with Steve Pickett as managing director will help steer the group through challenging market conditions and contribute to the future success of Heron and Brearley locally and further afield.’ ENDS