By Andrew Starke
The Foster's Group has appointed Andy Gibson to the role of chief marketing officer after a lengthy search.
Gibson replaces Peter Sinclair who relocated to the Middle East in September last year and is expected to commence in the role on November 1.
Sinclair worked for CUB for 12 years after initially being employed as a senior brand manager for VB.
His replacement has more than 20 years' consumer brands experience internationally and a strong track record in building and transforming some of the world's best known alcoholic beverage brands, mainly with Diageo.
Gibson joins Foster's after 12 years with Diageo where he held various senior management/marketing roles in Europe, North and Latin America, Asia Pacific and Australia.
Most recently, he was general manager of Diageo's Germany/Austria/Switzerland operations and, prior to that, was general manager of innovation based in Singapore.
Foster's Group CEO John Pollaers said the appointment was a significant step in the process of re-focusing Foster's/CUB as a dedicated, world-class brewer.
“Andy's appointment adds to the depth and experience of our senior management team and reaffirms our commitment to investing in the iconic brands that will drive the growth of the business”, he said.
Gibson will be part of the Foster's executive leadership team, reporting directly to John Pollaers, and be responsible for a large marketing budget, believed to be in the region of $200 million per year.