- Eric Newman, Brandweek

NEW YORK Molson Coors' CMO Andy England today took on a new role as CMO of MillerCoors -- a joint venture of brewers SABMiller and Coors, which received approval from the Department of Justice last week.

The DOJ concluded its antitrust review of MillerCoors and approved the merger of the companies' U.S. and Puerto Rico operations.

In his new role, England will report to Tom Long, Miller's CEO, who was named president and chief commercial officer of MillerCoors. Leo Kiely, currently the CEO of Coors, has been appointed chief executive of the joint venture.

"People make it happen and I am very excited about this new team," Kiely said in a statement. "I believe this seasoned and diverse group of leaders is the best in the American beer business. Together, we will create a stronger, more competitive U.S. brewer, with an enhanced portfolio of brands, and the experience and passion needed to win."

Kiely added that plans are already underway for integration between the two brewers, including streamlining corporate, sales and marketing divisions so that "we will be able to hit the ground running on July 1," when the merger is expected to close. Until then, both the Miller and Coors brands will operate independently.