Beverage giant Lion says the newly created chief growth officer role will drive growth in new avenues and further strengthen Lion’s market position.
become chief growth officer.
Lion’s chief marketing officer, Anubha Sahasrabuddhe, will step into the new role, extending her responsibilities to include strategy, data, digital, and technology.
Sahasrabuddhe joined Lion in January 2021, as marketing, consumer, and brand director.
Lion CEO Sam Fischer said a standalone growth portfolio within the business would allow Lion to further prioritise investment in innovation and new market opportunities while continuing to grow its global brand portfolio.
“Anubha has played a critical role in driving Lion’s innovation and thought leadership agenda forward, and I know she will take on expanded responsibilities with enthusiasm and purpose, ensuring we’re delivering a best-in-class digital experience for our customers, consumers and our people,” said Fischer.
Sahasrabuddhe said: “Culture and technology are two of the biggest forces driving businesses like ours forward – both are changing at a dramatic pace. Helping businesses and brands grow by aggregating capabilities in data and digital is something I’m very passionate about, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to bring this to life with the growth team during an exciting period for our business.”
Meanwhile, marketing director for Lion New Zealand, Rachel Ellerm, has been appointed as Lion Australia marketing director. Ellerm brings more than 25 years’ experience across alcohol beverages, consumer goods, and retail businesses, including senior marketing roles at Coca Cola, Goodman Fielder, and Yum! Brands. She is also a past recipient of the NZ Marketer of the Year award.
Lion Australia managing director, David Smith said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rachel to our Australian leadership team. She brings incredible energy and passion for Lion’s brands and people. Over the past four years, Rach has demonstrated impressive marketing leadership in New Zealand, taking the Lion portfolio to the number one position in the market and establishing Speight’s as New Zealand’s leading beer brand.”
Lion also announced the appointment of Ed Stening as general manager – spirits. In this newly created role, Stening will lead the Vanguard Luxury Brands spirits distribution business that Lion acquired in 2021 alongside Lion’s shareholding in the award-winning Four Pillars Gin.
Smith said the company saw plenty of headroom for growth in spirits and the appointment reflected its belief in the opportunity ahead.
“Ed brings extensive global experience in spirits, having spent several years in Spain with Beam Suntory as Marketing Director, Global Travel Retail. He deeply understands and is passionate about brand building, and combines this with exceptional and innovative digital, channel and commercial experience,” said Smith.
