Pirog takes over Okocim helm to rebuild brand name

Marcin Pirog will today officially take the post of president of the Okocim brewery, which has recently been losing market share, while profits plunged. In 1997 the brewery had a 9.7% share in the market; now it is down to just 5.7%. Pirog is determined to turn around the company and stop the drop in sales by improving distribution and marketing. He said that contrary to some press speculation, Okocim's strategic investor, Carlsberg of Denmark, has no plans to withdraw from Okocim and that Poland holds an important position in Carlsberg's global strategy. "We have a strong starting position. There is no need to worry about financing, but the money has to be spent in the best possible way," said Pirog. He also said that Okocim is considering takeovers, but "at the moment the rebuilding of the Okocim brand is a priority". (Puls Biznesu, page 7) T.J.