AUSTRALIA. Australian craft beer and brewing company Lion has announced a series of leadership appointments to drive growth in new avenues and further strengthen its market position.
Anubha Sahasrabuddhe steps up to the role of Chief Growth Officer; Rachel Ellerm has been appointed as Marketing Director; and Ed Stening is named General Manager – Spirits.
Changing position from Chief Marketing Officer, which she assumed in 2021, Sahasrabuddhe’s role is newly-created. She takes on an expanded remit to include strategy, data, digital and technology.
Lion CEO Sam Fischer, who is well-known in the travel retail industry from his time as Diageo President for Asia Pacific and Global Travel, 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.”
Meanwhile, industry veteran Ellerm takes on the Marketing Director role for Lion Australia after performing the same role for Lion New Zealand.
Ellerm brings more than 25 years’ experience across alcoholic beverages, consumer goods and retail businesses, including senior marketing roles at Coca Cola, Goodman Fielder and Yum! Brands. She is also a previous recipient of the prestigious ‘NZ Marketer of the Year’ award.
Lion Australia Managing Director David 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.”
Finally, Stening, who joined Lion in 2021 as Connections Director, takes on the role of General Manager – Spirits. He will lead the Vanguard Luxury Brands spirits distribution business that Lion acquired in 2021 alongside Lion’s shareholding in the award-winning Four Pillars Gin.
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.” ✈
