By James Atkinson
Asahi Holdings (Australia) has confirmed the integration of its two main operating businesses in a further restructure that has resulted in the departure of Asahi Premium Beverages CEO, Greg Ellery.
Asahi announced in October last year that it had brought its non-alcohol (Schweppes) and alcohol (Independent Distillers) assets together under the Asahi Holdings Australia banner.
Now, the company has confirmed that Asahi Premium Beverages and Schweppes Group Australia will be integrated to a single operating structure with one leadership team.
The integrated business will be branded Asahi Beverages, which will be headed by former Schweppes Australia managing director David Beguely, who becomes Asahi Beverages CEO.
"As result of the integration, Greg Ellery, CEO of Asahi Premium Beverages has elected to leave the business," the company said.
Under the new structure, there will be two commercial business units with responsibility for sales and marketing.
The alcohol beverages business unit will continue to trade as Asahi Premium Beverages, while the non-alcohol beverages business will continue to trade as Schweppes Australia.
Other business functions, such as supply chain and suppprt services, will be integrated and will work across the entire business, including the two commercial business units.
"Integration will provide Asahi Beverages with the opportunity to leverage the strengths of both organisations, positioning the business to build on its successes in Australia whilst becoming a more vigorous competitor as it continues to build its Australian presence," Asahi said.
"As a combined organisation, Asahi Beverages has strong manufacturing capabilities, excellent routes to market, comprehensive and complementary product portfolios with market leadership positions in many categories."