AB InBev unveils Budweiser Brewing Group as new UK name: Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I has been revealed as the new name for AB InBev in the UK, as the company reaffirms its commitment to UK & Ireland with a new President, Paula Lindenberg, the opening of new London headquarters, and renewed ambitions spanning sustainability, smart drinking and championing Britain’s iconic beer community. It has outlined five ambitions: Champion Britain’s iconic beer culture with trade-boosting programmes for the whole community, from barley farmers to pubs and retail; Create a nation of Smart Drinkers, helping to shift social norms to embrace moderation and cut harmful drinking; Be the UK’s most sustainable brewer as it works towards brewing with renewable electricity and locally-sourced barley; Be one of the best places to work, promoting apprenticeships, development and diversity; Bring more people together with great beers for every occasion by continuing to invest in premium drinks and powerful brands. Lindenberg joined Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I in January 2019 from the group’s Ambev business in Brazil where she was the vice president of marketing and is now based in London. Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I’s new London headquarters, located on Fetter Lane in Farringdon, covers 25,000 sq ft of flexible working space across the top four floors of the new Bureau building. The state-of-the-art space, with a rooftop bar serving all the group’s brands, brings together three previously separate offices and 250 employees to give business partners, customers and stakeholders one central hub in which to connect and collaborate.

Former Greene King finance director joins Domino’s board: Domino’s Pizza Group has announced that Ian Bull will join its board as an independent non-executive director with effect from 18 April 2019. He will be appointed to the board’s audit, remuneration and nomination committees and will chair the audit committee. Bull has wide-ranging domestic and international experience, coupled with in-depth of knowledge of the retail and digital sectors. He held senior finance roles within the BT Group and has previously been group finance director of Greene King, chief financial officer of Ladbrokes and most recently was chief financial officer of Parkdean Resorts until 2018. He has been a non-executive director of St Modwen Properties since 2014 where he is the senior independent director, chair of its audit committee and a member of its nomination and remuneration committees. Bull is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. Stephen Hemsley, Domino’s chairman, said: “Ian’s range of financial and operational experience gained from complementary sectors, together with his extensive ‘plc’ experience, make him an excellent addition to the board. On behalf of the board, I am delighted to welcome Ian to Domino’s.”

Sandra Turner to join Greene King board: Greene King has announced the appointment of Sandra Turner to the board as a non-executive director with effect from 1 May 2019. She will also become a member of the audit, nomination and remuneration committees. Turner has many years’ experience in the consumer goods and retail sectors, including for Wilkinson Sword, Unilever and Tesco, where she was commercial director of Tesco Ireland. She is also a non-executive director, senior independent director and chair of the remuneration committee of Greggs, non-executive director and chair of the remuneration committee of Carpetright and non-executive director and chair of the remuneration committee of McBride, as well as a non-executive director of Huhtamäki Oyj. Philip Yea, chairman of Greene King, said: “I am delighted that Sandra has agreed to join our board. She brings a strong mix of experience from both executive and non-executive roles in diverse consumer-oriented companies and we look forward to her contribution.”

Rowbots, backed by Gareth Bale, secures debut UK site: Rowbots, a new rowing-driven fitness concept endorsed by joint partner and investor, Gareth Bale, is to launch its debut site this summer. The brand will open at 42 Eastcastle Street in Fitzrovia, a site secured by agent Shelley Sandzer. The Rowbots concept is inspired by the transhumanism philosophy and employs rowing and dynamic floor exercises to create a complete work-out, which maximizes on ‘the potential of the mind and body’. The 1,800 sq ft unit will provide space for 11 rowing machines and floor work with a capacity of 22 per class. As chief brand and design officer, independent designer Sarah Mannerings has designed an industrial style studio, complete with specially designed mood-lighting and urban-esque finishes. Gareth Bale considers rowing as an integral part of his training routine, which spurred his passion for the new concept. He joins CEO Sam Green, and fellow investors Greg Zimmerman (sales and marketing specialist and triathlete) and Joshua Barnett (director at sport agency firm, Stellar Group). Sam Green, co-founder and chief executive of Rowbots, added: “Our objective is to empower our customers to be strong both physically and mentally, utilising the incredible power of rowing which works 85% of the body. Right now, London has nothing like this concept. Amid the rise in boutique fitness studios, we noticed this gap in the UK market for a complete workout which both invigorates the body whilst impacting the mind. We have strong aspirations for the future of this concept and are very grateful for Shelley Sandzer’s support in kicking off this exciting journey with our debut London location.” Casey Philips, partner at Shelley Sandzer, added: “There appears to be no shortage of demand from existing or new D2 concepts seeking suitable space in Central London. Being creative and considering a change of use is not uncommon in order to satisfy demand. The former car-park, with its open brickwork, painted no-smoking signs and redundant rusty pipework, is the perfect canvass for the “retrofitted”, industrial meets future world, brilliantly developed by Rowbots’ designer, Sarah. We are proud to work closely with another fantastic fitness brand on their UK launch and wish Rowbots the very best here in London.” This follows the recent news that Shelley Sandzer secured the first UK studio for Body by Simone, the revolutionary exercise method created by renowned fitness guru, Simone De La Rue. The studio opened at 86-88 Delancey Street in February 2019 and was the only fitness concept to have launched outside of the US, following monumental success in its LA and New York studios.