Goodbye And All The Best, Lars Lehmann and Welcome Ted Akiskalos, New MD of Probably The Best Beer, Malaysia

Over the last few years, the media has had the privilege of meeting Lars Lehmann at many a Carlsberg (Probably the Best Beer) function, from having be airlifted on a wire while playing the drums, to trying to create a loud sound while popping a Carlsberg Draught bottle.  Yes, it would seem the job of MD is fraught with many extra tasks, over and above the normal demands of the role.

Mr Lehmann has been promoted to the Executive Committee (ExCom) of Carlsberg A/S as Executive VP of Eastern Europe and also as CEO of Baltika, Carlsberg  Group's company in Russia, wef 1st May 2019.

In his place, the dashing Greek, the new MD Ted Akiskalos, was welcomed at a glitzy event at Brixton 23, with free flow beers under the Carlsberg range.  Mr Akiskalos makes a grand entrance on stage , igniting a beer fountain with dazzling pyrotechnics in the spirit of SEMPER ARDENS, (sounds like something from Game of Thrones, but actually it's Carlsberg's Latin Motto which means "always burning").

In his farewell speech, Mr Lehman had this to say, " It has been Probably the Best three years for me and the company. Together, we had an unprecedented financial year in 2018 with strong growth in revenue, net profit and free cash flow, allowing us to declare the hightest dividends in the history of Carlsberg Malaysia.  None of these would have been possible if it wasn't for our customers and consumers' support towards our brands, our people and our business."

Mr Akiskalos had this to say, " I am most honored and humbled by this appointment because Malaysia which covers Singapore and an associate company in Sri Lanka, is one of the top three markets in Asia, in terms of profitability and growth.  Taking over the helm from Lars, my intent is to continue our growth with our strong brand portfolio and win with our winning customers"

Lars and Ted together on stage...

Mr Akiskalos brings with him 9 years experience, at aged 40, it is already his 3rd role as MD within the Carlsberg Group, from Sweden where he led the company back to double digit growth, and in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau where he transformed HK to be the market leader.

Of course we were lucky enough to have a tumpang glamour moment. 

The night continued with a rapturous violin performance by Divo and Maestro, Daniel Lau, and lots more free flow drinks and a generous buffet spread.  Only thing missing was the usual roast pork that is served at most Carlsberg functions.

We look forward to many events with the dashing Ted Akiskalos at the helm.