GUINNESS managing director, Mr Colin Storm is to step down from his post to become deputy managing director of Guinness Brewing Worldwide. He will also be managing director of Guinness Brewing, Great Britain.

Mr Storm will continue to retain strong links with the Guinness operation in Ireland in his role as chairman of Guinness Ireland Group. He had been managing director of Guinness Ireland since 1992.

During his time in Ireland he oversaw a comprehensive restructuring of the Irish operation. The company has undergone continuous rationalisation and restructuring in its drive to gear itself for competition in international markets.

Under Mr Storm's direction the company has also invested millions of pounds updating plants and introducing new products.

Mr Shaun Holliday, currently president of the Americas and Caribbean Region, will take over the managing director role in Ireland in June.

Mr Holliday joined the group in 1994 from Pepsi Co's Friton Lay Inc.

Born in South Africa, Mr Holliday has strong Irish roots. His grandfather emigrated from Lisburn, Co Antrim.