By Andrew Starke
Lion Nathan has announced that Andrew Reeves, executive director of Lion Nathan and managing director, Lion Nathan Australia, will be appointed to the position of managing director, National Foods.
The appointment is subject to formal approval of the Board of Kirin Holdings and the Federal Court of Australia approving last weeks decision by Lion Nathan shareholders to approve the takeover.
The shuffle follows a decision by Ashley Waugh, currently the CEO and managing director of National Foods, to leave the National Foods business at the end of October.
Reeves joined Lion Nathan in 2002 as the managing director of Lion Nathan Australia.
Prior to joining Lion Nathan, he held the role of managing director at both Smith’s Snack Foods Australia and Coca-Cola Amatil Australia.
“During his time with Lion Nathan, Andrew has worked tirelessly with his team to execute a strategy focused on four key drivers – building great brands, innovating for growth, investing to create a world class brewing asset base, and investing in people capability,” said Lion Nathan CEO, Rob Murray.
“His experience places him well to ensure the continuation of quality leadership at National Foods.”
As a result of this intended appointment, James Brindley, currently commercial director, Lion Nathan Australia, will be promoted to managing director, Lion Nathan Australia.
Brindley joined Lion Nathan in 1994 as a business analyst, moving through a number of finance, strategy and procurement roles before being appointed finance director, Lion Nathan China in 1998.
In 2001, he was appointed to the position of joint managing director and then to managing director, Lion Nathan China in 2003.
Following the sale of the China business, Brindley returned to Australia in 2005 to the role of director – sales and customer service, and was promoted to his current role in 2007.
“Andrew and James have been a driving force in transforming Lion Nathan’s sales and marketing capability, creating an acute focus on the consumer, building strong partnerships with joint venture partners Heineken and Bacardi, and completing the successful acquisition of Boag’s,” said Murray.
“I have every confidence they will continue to grow the Lion Nathan Australia and National Foods businesses respectively.”