Katre Kõvask to Lead A. Le Coq from January

Next January, Katre Kõvask will take over as chief executive of A. Le Coq, Estonia's largest beverage producer, and as vice president of the Baltic division of the Finnish drinks group Olvi Group. She has many years of experience in the food industry and previously headed the oat drink company YOOK.

Kõvask says the offer to lead A. Le Coq is an opportunity that probably comes only once in a lifetime. About 25 years ago, Ösel Foods and its Aura brand were sold to A. Le Coq, and she has cared about the company's fate ever since. While serving as marketing director at Ösel Foods, she launched Aura on the Estonian market. She is particularly pleased with the brand's successful development.

Plans

The incoming head intends to strengthen cooperation among the group's companies and create new growth opportunities. In her view, closer cooperation between companies across the Baltic states will help achieve the set goals faster. She sees the development of non-alcoholic drinks across the whole group as one of the most promising opportunities.

The portfolio of Olvi Group's Baltic division includes Estonia's A. Le Coq and Värska Originaal, Latvia's Cēsu Alus, Valmiermuižas alus and Piebalgas Alus, and Lithuania's Volfas Engelman and Uniqa.

Background

Kõvask has worked in retail and the food industry for more than 20 years. She has led both international and Estonian companies, including Premia Foods, Pharma Holding (which operates the Südameapteek pharmacy chain), Tere AS and Farmi Piimatööstus. She was also responsible for international trade and the food and beverage sales business aboard Tallink Grupp ships.

At present, Tarmo Noop is serving as acting head of A. Le Coq and will continue until Kõvask takes up the post. The company's previous head, Jaanus Vihand, has become head of the Selver supermarket chain.