Australia’s oldest dairy, Western Australian Brownes Dairy has appointed Natalie Sarich-Dayton as its new CEO. Sarich-Dayton is the 135-year-old company’s first female CEO. She replaces Tony Girgis.
Sarich-Dayton was Brownes’ director of sales and marketing and takes the helm with more than 20 years FMCG experience at companies including Coca-Cola Amatil, HJ Heinz, Danone and Unilever.
Sarich-Dayton said she was excited to be taking the reins. “Brownes Dairy is a remarkable company with a thirst for product and brand innovation. Everyone in the business genuinely believes in our mission of “doing dairy better, together”,” she said.
Departing CEO Tony Girgis said her appointment was an “inspired choice” to continue the company’s growth and success. “Brownes Dairy is an iconic Western Australian company and I have been honoured to have led a vibrant and innovative team for many years as the CEO and managing director. I have greatly enjoyed working alongside Natalie,” Girgis said.
Girgis was in the role for seven years. During his tenure he led the company through an ownership sale and the reintroduction of its cheddar cheese to supermarkets after a 14 year hiatus.
Sarich-Dayton was a driving force behind the return of the dairy’s iconic ‘Milkos’ home delivery service, which became a lifeline to the WA community during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
The service won national and international accolades, including a Gold trophy in the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, as well as Social Idea of the Year in the annual Mumbrella Awards, and “best COVID Pivot” by The Australian Financial Review.
In 2019 and 2020 she was included on Chief Marketing Officer’s Top 50 most innovative and effective CMOs.
Sarich-Dayton said she was honoured to be the first female CEO for the company. “It’s crucial West Australian businesses take a leading role in promoting more women to leadership positions. The pandemic has reminded us about the role we all can play in keeping our communities, including our businesses, authentically connected.”
