Brewery exec named Ford's chief of staff

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has made former brewery executive Amir Remtulla his new chief of staff.

Remtulla had worked for Molson Coors Canada as the company's senior director of public affairs.

"We are very fortunate to have someone of Amir's calibre joining our team," said Mayor Ford. "Having served on my Transition Team, Amir understands the priorities I have laid out to bring respect for taxpayers to City Hall."

Ford said that his new chief of staff would be focused on the mayor's four priorities, including transparency, a smaller government, "customer service excellence," and the new transport plan.

"I want to thank Mayor Ford for this opportunity and look forward to being part of the team that delivers the promise of a City Hall where taxpayers come first," said Remtulla.

"We have a big job ahead of us and a big responsibility to the people of Toronto. I am excited to take on this new challenge."