Sharon Walsh, one of the country’s top marketing directors is leaving Heineken Ireland to take up a new role as global director for cider at the group’s Amsterdam headquarters.
In her new role she will report directly to Jan Derck van Karnebeek, COO of Heineken and will be given responsibility to grow the group’s cider manufacturing operations around the world.
She joined the Heineken Ireland marketing department in 2011, having previously worked for UDV, Diageo and Coca Cola in Ireland. She was then appointed marketing director in 2012 and played a key role in unlocking business growth for the Heineken brand in Ireland as well as a number of other brands like Desperados, Tiger, Cute Hoor and the recently launched Heineken Light.
The launch of Orchard Thieves in the Irish market last year, however, was hailed as a major success for Heineken which scooped numerous awards, including the Grand Prix at the annual Media Awards and Marketing Team of the Year at the AIM Awards.
In her new role Walsh will continue to develop Heineken’s cider brands in Ireland, the UK, New Zealand, Belgium and beyond.
“Heineken Ireland has been an incredibly exciting company to work for – a company whose culture of innovation and collaboration has allowed our team really flourish and positively impact the company’s performance,” says Walsh.
“Within a global context, Heineken Ireland has really punched above its weight. Our work, with our agency partners, on our cider and beer brands has consistently moved the dial and challenged how marketing can, and should, be done. I look forward to bringing that spirit of innovation, ambition and bravery to Amsterdam to win in the cider category.”
A replacement for Walsh is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, according to the company.
