Retail Drinks Australia has announced the appointment of Steve Hugginson to its Board of Directors, replacing outgoing Director Tim O’Meara.
Currently serving as the General Manager of Operations & Supply Chain at Coles Liquor, Hugginson is responsible for overseeing more than 960 Liquorland, Vintage Cellars, and First Choice Liquor stores across the country. His appointment comes after nearly 15 years of service at Coles, where he has held various roles since joining the company in 2008.
Retail Drinks CEO Michael Waters congratulated Hugginson on his appointment, emphasising his vast knowledge and experience in the liquor sector, which will be invaluable to the organisation.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Steve’s calibre join Retail Drinks as a Director, bringing even more insight and experience to a Board which truly reflects the diversity of Australia’s retail liquor industry,” Waters said.
He added, “Steve’s expertise in liquor retailing, accrued over a career spanning several decades, will be enormously helpful in guiding Retail Drinks as we carry out our current three-year strategic plan.”
In a statement acknowledging the appointment, Hugginson expressed his enthusiasm for his new role and the association’s ambitious goals.
“I’m very excited to be a part of the Retail Drinks Board in representing both Coles Liquor and the wider retail liquor industry,” he said. “I look forward to contributing to Retail Drinks’ direction and ensuring that the association and the Australian liquor retail sector remains in good health for years to come.”
Waters also took the opportunity to thank outgoing Director Tim O’Meara for his significant contribution as Coles Liquor’s representative on the Board since September 2022. He acknowledged O’Meara’s leadership during a period of considerable change within the industry and organisation.