Lion has today announced new leadership appointments in Australia, with changes in its spirits and marketing teams, which the company says are to aimed at driving growth and strengthening Lion’s position in the market.
Anubha Sahasrabuddhe, currently Chief Marketing Officer at Lion, will step into the newly-created leadership role, Chief Growth Officer, which sees her remit extended to include strategy, data, digital and technology.
In announcing the appointment, CEO Sam Fischer said: “Creating a standalone growth portfolio within the business allows us to further prioritise investment in innovation and new market opportunities while continuing to grow our 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.”
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.”
Lion also announced the appointment of Ed Stening as General Manager – Spirits. This is also a newly created role, and it will see Stening lead the Vanguard Luxury Brands spirits distribution business that Lion acquired in 2021 alongside Lion’s shareholding in the award-winning Four Pillars Gin.
Lion Australia Managing Director, David Smith said: “We see plenty of headroom for growth in spirits and this appointment on our leadership team reflects our 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.”
In other changes announced today, Rachel Ellerm has been appointed Marketing Director – Lion Australia. Ellerm is currently Marketing Director for Lion New Zealand.
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.”