March 25/Food Weekly Focus -- Fortune Brands Inc. named  Matthew J. Shattock chief executive officer of its Beam Global Spirits & Wine business. Shattock is a veteran leader in the consumer packaged goods industry who most recently led major business units of Cadbury Plc. His appointment is effective April 22, 2009.

"We are delighted that Matt Shattock will be the next CEO of Beam Global Spirits & Wine," said Bruce Carbonari, chairman and chief executive officer of Fortune Brands. "With his many years of experience running consumer businesses in the U.S. and internationally, Matt is a proven leader with a strong record of driving growth and building powerful brands. His skilled leadership and strong passion to win will serve Beam Global well as we seek to further elevate the performance of the business and execute its vision of building brands people want to talk about. Beam Global Spirits & Wine is the world s fourth largest premium spirits company with global premium brands including Jim Beam, Sauza, Courvoisier, Maker s Mark, Canadian Club, Cruzan and Laphroaig. In 2008, Beam Global accounted for one-third of Fortune Brands total sales and 57% of operating income before charges."

"The opportunity to lead a business with such heritage and promise is incredibly exciting," said Shattock. "Beam Global's assets, its enviable portfolio of premium brands, great people and powerful vision are an excellent foundation on which to build future success. I look forward to joining the Beam Global and Fortune Brands family."

Shattock comes to Beam Global following six years leading business units at Cadbury Plc and 17 years at Unilever. At Cadbury, the global confectionery company with 2008 sales of 5.4 billion British pounds, Shattock was most recently president of the Britain, Ireland, Middle East & Africa region, a business driving approximately one third of Cadbury s total revenues. He previously served as president of Europe, Middle East & Africa, and as president of Americas Confectionery. Prior to joining Cadbury in 2003, Shattock was chief operating officer of Unilever Best Foods North America, a $3 billion food and beverage business, having previously held management and brand development positions of increasing responsibility at Unilever.

Shattock earned a BA with honors from Durham University (UK) and also served as a tank troop commander in the British Army. He, his wife and three children plan to relocate from the U.K. to the Chicago area.

From the March 30, 2009, Prepared Foods E-dition