VK Vodka Kick producer Global Brands has reshuffled its senior management team to drive growth in its premium drinks portfolio. Mark James has been promoted from sales director to replace Steve Perez as managing director. Perez has been named chairman and will concentrate on the long-term development of the drinks manufacturer and distributor.

Derek Mackey becomesGlobal’s new sales director following six years as sales controller for Heineken UK’s on-premise division. His responsibilities will include leading Global’s 35-strong sales team and overseeing sales activity for premium ­brands.

The restructure was needed to deal with Global’s new dedicated Premium Brands Division, set up in August to increase its penetration into the ­premium market, said Perez.

“This new structure reflects a number of significant changes within our business over the past 12 months,” he said. “As we continue to shake up our portfolio and grow the business it’s important we take a longer-term view and make decisions based on our future growth.”

Following Global’s acquisition of specialist beer supplier Fullback Imports last week, Fullback’s former owners, Justin Horsman and Neil Robinson, have been named Global’s trade marketing manager and senior national account manager respectively.

Horsman will be tasked with raising the profile of Saku Kuld, Zagorka Special and Peerdebrug Blond, the premium beers Global inherited as part of the Fullback purchase.