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FMCG leaders named among Top 50 People in E-commerce

IRN_top502019A number of e-commerce leaders in the FMCG sector were recognised as part of Internet Retailing’s Top 50 People in E-commerce on Wednesday night in Melbourne.

Among the Top 50 were Brad Foenander, head of e-commerce and strategic partnerships, Coles; Amanda Green, e-commerce director, L’Oreal; Manik Godhwani, global head of e-commerce, T2 (Unilever); Justin Dry, CEO, Vinomofo and Richard Kelsey, co-founder and director, Beer Cartel.

More than 200 people were nominated last year, before judges began selecting candidates based on four areas including contribution to the commercial success of the business; knowledge sharing with the industry; innovation within the business and positive impact on the broader community – including customers, shareholders, employees or others.

Foenander, who has led Coles’ e-commerce initiatives since 2012, was listed in the 39th spot. Currently, he handles the supermarket giant’s online channel and creating key strategic initiatives to improve the online shopping experience.

“Brad’s test and learn approach to e-commerce has enabled Coles to be a big organisation that moves with agility. The changes he has trialled across e-commerce, service and community involvement are now key offerings for the business and delivering impressive results,” Top 50 judge Nathan Bush said.

L’Oreal’s e-commerce director Amanda Green, who has an extensive digital career spanning 15 years across various continents, came in at number 50. Green’s stint at Nike, saw her dabbling in its e-commerce business in Europe and she also revolutionised its business in Australia.

“Amanda has led a first class e-commerce experience across a complex world filled with a range of brands, channels and retailers. Her ability to focus on the things that matter has resulted in impressive online growth for L’Oréal. On top of all of this, Amanda is amazingly generous and often candid with her experiences which has a significant impact on Australia’s e-commerce capabilities,” Bush said.

Justin Dry, co-founder/CEO, Vinomofo, came in at number 14. Dry started the business with his partner, Andre Eikmeier, in a garage way back in 2011 in Adelaide. After several years, the business has expanded from Australia to New Zealand and Singapore. It currently has a run rate of $50 million in annual revenue.

“Operating in a crowded space with a few dominant players, Justin has continued to evolve the business to deliver consistent year-on-year growth throughout 2018, with a number of innovative features unique to the wine industry and also cutting edge in e-commerce overall. Justin is also an active contributor to the community, taking time out to speak at numerous events and also taking live questions from the crowd, which is never easy!” said Top 50 judge Josh Emblin.

Richard Kelsey, co-founder and director, Beer Cartel is at number 21 on the list. Kelsey began the Australian craft beer company in 2009 and has led award-winning campaigns such as the Australian Craft Beer Survey, which draws over 18,000 participants each year.

“Placing in the Top 50 has been quite humbling, but at the same time [it’s] great recognition of what we’re doing with Beer Cartel,” Kelsey said.

“We were true pioneers in the online alcohol space when we first started back in 2009, operating online even before Dan Murphy’s. Ever since then we’ve had an innovate or die approach, while at the same time a focus on taking our customers on a journey into the world of craft beer. It’s great to be acknowledged for what we’re doing and our passion for craft beer and online retail.”

In the 29th spot, is Manik Godhwani, global head of e-commerce, T2 (Unilever) who was recognised as a digital transformation leader. He launched e-commerce business Catch Group’s online marketplace and also developed the luxury travel website, BonVoyage.  Manik is widely known for his digital product management.

“Manik is the man behind one of the biggest e-commerce stories of 2018: the rapid growth of Catch’s marketplace. His efforts to improve the site’s conversion rate may be less obvious, but are just as impressive. All eyes are now on T2, where he has taken his prodigious talent,” said Top 50 judge Heather McIlvaine.

The Top 50 event was presented by Inside Retail and supported by the City of Melbourne, State Government of Victoria and Virgin Australia’s Melbourne Fashion Festival.

The full Top 50 People in E-commerce list can be downloaded here.

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