Danone Australia and New Zealand has appointed Kathy Cavill as GM for the region. Cavill has served at the company for over eleven years, most recently as marketing director.
As marketing director, Cavill spearheaded various award-winning campaigns including Karicare Toddler’s ‘Feed the Real’ campaign and the Aptamil Toddler ‘Return Ready’ initiative which aimed to help new parents return to work every day in Australia.
Cavill was also at the forefront of new product innovations including the expansion of the high protein yoghurt brand YoPRO into new formats, and innovations in Danone’s early life nutrition portfolio with the launch of the AptaGrow range for fussy eaters and Aptamil’s first toddler milk to contain a blend of both dairy and plant protein – Aptamil Dairy & Plant Blend Toddler Milk.
“I’m thrilled to be leading a business with a long-standing commitment to bring health through food to as many people as possible, and I am committed to continuing to drive the innovation of healthier and more sustainable food and drink products for our local consumers across Australia and New Zealand,” said Cavill.
As a senior female leader and mother of two, Cavill said she was passionate about Danone’s progressive people policies which has seen it recognised across Australia and New Zealand as a Great Place to Work for the last three years, with paid parental leave of 26 weeks, support for parents going through the IVF and adoption journey, and a new menopause policy.
“I am honoured to work for a company that is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace, and one which continues to lead the way with policies that anticipate and adapt to the needs of our people,” said Cavill.
Cavill will be building on the success of her predecessor, Rodrigo Lima, who has been promoted to president and representative director of Danone Japan and Korea.
Under Lima’s leadership over the past five years, Danone Australia and New Zealand delivered consistent & sustainable growth following several successful business transformations and a strong innovation agenda.
Lima was the Chairman of the Board of the Danone Saputo Dairy Australia Joint Venture. Encompassing brands such as YoPRO, Activia and Danone Ultimate, Rodrigo led the development and implementation of a new portfolio strategy and a much leaner organisational structure.
This initiative resulted in accelerated growth, market share gains and a substantial increase in profitability. Rodrigo leaves behind a stronger & more resilient Danone Australia and New Zealand business with solid foundations for future growth in the region.
Cavill will transition into her new role as GM for Danone Australia and New Zealand from 1 September.
