By Peter Evans
LONDON-- SABMiller PLC is searching for a new chief financial
officer after Jamie Wilson on Thursday resigned with immediate
effect, citing personal reasons.
The world's second-biggest brewer by sales said Domenic De
Lorenzo, currently director of group strategy, will replace Mr.
Wilson while the company looks for a permanent replacement.
Mr. Wilson, 55, will step down from the board with immediate
effect and be placed on "gardening leave" before officially leaving
the group on March 31, the company said in a statement. Mr. Wilson
will receive a year's salary of GBP762,200 ($1.18 million) and a
car allowance worth GBP17,150, as well as a bonus and pension
contribution.
His departure comes at a potentially critical time for SABMiller
and the beer industry as a whole, which analysts say is ripe for a
period of consolidation.
SABMiller, the maker of Miller Lite, Pilsner Urquell and Peroni
Nastro Azzurro, has been subject to intense speculation that it
will be bought by Anheuser Busch InBev SA, the world's biggest
brewer.
SABMiller's shares have risen 26% in the past year as investors
anticipate a deal. The company last year had a bid of its own
rejected by Dutch beer company Heineken NV , a move many analysts
viewed as an attempt by SABMiller to ward off advances from AB
InBev.
Mr. Wilson joined SABMiller in 2005 and became chief financial
officer in 2011. He held a number of senior positions at the
company, including managing director for Central Europe and finance
director for Europe.
"I am saddened by Jamie's departure. He has been a huge support
to me over many years, first in Europe and then over the past
several years as CFO," said Chief Executive Officer Alan Clark.
Write to Peter Evans at peter.evans@wsj.com
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