2006 Award Winner – Man of the Year

Karan Bilimoria, founder and CEO, Cobra

Begun from the back of a van in 1989, Cobra beer is now an £80 million global brand, and on course to hit £100m, when the business plans to float. Driving that van aged 27, and the business today, is Karan Bilimoria, a charismatic Cambridge graduate of Indian descent. He saw the potential for a smoother, less gassy lager that would appeal to both ale and lager drinkers and prove a suitable partner to food, and launched Cobra when £20,000 in debt. He is still at the helm of the business, creating new markets for Cobra and constantly encouraging innovation, be it in brewing techniques or packaging formats.

Cobra was first brewed in Bangalore in 1990, and in 1997 began brewing under license in the UK with Charles Wells, Britain’s largest independent brewery. The eye-catching lager has undergone dramatic repackaging since its launch, using textured glass to tell the brand story. It can now be bought in a range of formats, including cans, and the beer range has been extended to include a lower carb/lower cal version as well as an alcohol free one. Most recent is the addition of a super-premium version, called King Cobra.

The judges were unanimous in voting Bilimoria Man of the Year. One judge commented: “Karan Bilimoria’s leadership is exceptional and he is involved in so many things outside his role in the company.” In recognition of his business achievements another judge explained, “Karan Bilimoria is hugely impressive – he went into a category that was dominated by huge brands and with flat growth, and transformed it.” Judges also felt that Bilimoria’s success looked set  to continue: “Cobra is a brand others are emulating and Bilimoria is still continuing to innovate as well as expand in international markets – he has an office in South Africa and two in the US.”

The shortlist 2006

Alex Anson, Thresher group
The Spanish specialist and savvy buyer behind the 3-for-2 offer has had a remarkable effect on wine sales at The Thresher Group and at Tesco before that. What will be his next retail innovation?

Danny Cameron, Raymond Reynolds
Former sommelier and champion of all things Portuguese, Cameron is not only the chairman of the Association of Portuguese Wine Importers, but also the founder of the Specialist Importers Trade Tasting.

Michael Cox, Wines of chile UK
Energetic frontman for Chile’s generic body in the UK, Cox has worked tirelessly to establish an enviable reputation for this South American country, raising the profile of Chile in both the on- and off-trade as well as among consumers.

Bill Farrar, Macallan Distillery
The man credited for the success of the The Famous Grouse, The Macallan and Highland Park has developed clear and powerful global brand positionings for the Edringon Group’s whiskies.

© db May 2006