Brewery chief quits for retail role

By Joe Helm

Lion Breweries managing director Kevin Stratful has resigned after three years in the job to pursue business opportunities in liquor retailing.

"I haven't made up my mind yet. All I'm planning to do for the next two or three weeks is work on getting my golf handicap down," he said.

"I may end up owning a pub or several pubs, although I don't know if I'm the type of person who could serve behind a bar.

"I'm definitely interested in the retail side. There will be opportunities there with the change in the liquor laws if you do it differently."

He said that after a decade in big business he was looking forward to a more hands-on and entrepreneurial role.

It was his decision to leave Lion and the company had known of his plans for a few months.

"It's been handled very well and both parties are happy," he said.

Mr Stratful's replacement will be announced soon. In the interim, Keith Thorpe, the New Zealand Wines and Spirits chairman, will provide additional support to the Lion Breweries executive team.

Lion Nathan chief executive officer Gordon Cairns said Mr Stratful had been with the company more than 10 years.

"His extensive experience in the liquor industry has been of significant value to the company during an increasingly competitive period."

Mr Stratful worked in the soft-drinks business before joining New Zealand Wines and Spirits as sales director and later managing director.

He joined what is now Lion Breweries as managing director of Christchurch-based New Zealand Breweries South before he was appointed head of the national beer business in March 1996.