According to a press release sent to the Budapest Business Journal, his main responsibilities for Dreher Breweries will include overseeing the largest ever investment – of HUF 100 billion – in the Hungarian beer industry and maintain the company’s growth trajectory. He officially took over from the former managing director, Gábor Békefi on August 1.

Mike James joined Asahi in 2018, where he held various senior positions in finance – firstly for the EMEAA business (previously Asahi Premium Brands Ltd), and most recently as finance director for Asahi UK Ltd for the past 3.5 years. He also has extensive business partner experience in various global FMCG organizations in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the emerging markets.

He has successfully led enterprise-wide, cross-functional projects and has actively supported people’s development and engagement, according to the press release.

“Following the change of ownership, Dreher Breweries has made an amazing journey in product development and efficiency improvements over the past seven years. This has made it possible to launch a 100 billion HUF investment in Kőbánya in 2024, which is unique in the Hungarian beer industry and is entirely self-financed. This achievement is thanks to a well-prepared and motivated team, with whom I am confident that together we will secure the successful future of this 170-year-old company for many decades to come. It will be my personal mission, together with the team, to maintain the company’s growth trajectory, as this will allow the investment to continue,” said Mike James, the new managing director of Dreher Breweries.

Besides his management experience, the new Dreher head is a qualified Padi dive instructor with a passion for skiing, field hockey, and mountain biking. He has moved to Budapest with his wife Jen, their three children and their dog Maggie.

Gábor Békefi, the former managing director of Dreher Breweries, announced in March that he would retire after seven years at the helm of the company. Under his leadership, the brewery’s corporate strategy has changed fundamentally, with a focus on premium products, increased efficiency and market share in key segments, and improved employer engagement. He will continue to support the international strategic build-up of Asahi Europe & International as an expert until next summer, the press release notes.