Coors Brewing Co. has hired Lee Buxton as interim chief marketing officer, replacing Ron Askew, who resigned last month. The appointment took effect January 14.

Buxton worked in various capacities at Coors from 1977 to 2003, when he held the title of vice president of marketing. He continued to work with the company in a consulting role during the past year-and-a-half, the company said.

"Given Lee's experience with our company, our brands, our people and our culture, he is the ideal candidate to serve in this important role at Coors," said Leo Kiely, president and CEO of Coors, in a statement.

Askew had been the CMO for three years before stepping down December 14.

Askew was credited with developing the brewer's marketing team and moving advertising and marketing programs "in the right direction."