Mark Hunter, the former UK & Ireland boss of Molson Coors, has been promoted to head the brewer’s entire global business after current CEO and president Peter Swinburn announced plans to retire.

Hunter, who moves up from the role of CEO and president for Molson Coors Europe, will become CEO and president of Molson Coors Brewing Company on 31 December, when Swinburn retires.

Hunter has led the European business since January 2013. Prior to that, he was boss of central Europe. He headed up the UK & Ireland business from 2007 to 2012.

“Molson Coors is extremely well positioned for growth, with world-renowned brands, strong market share across key geographies, and the most talented and dedicated employees in the industry,” he said.

“I am grateful to the board for its vote of confidence and look forward to working closely with them and with our management team over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition and execute on our strategy for growing brands and shareholder value.”

Chairman Peter Coors added: “We are excited that we have an executive of Mark’s calibre who can seamlessly step into the CEO role.

“Mark is a true leader and brings a deep knowledge of all aspects of our business, as well as years of exceptional brand building and commercial beer industry expertise. He is also recognised throughout our organisation for his integrity and belief in the people who make Molson Coors so successful.”