Beverage giant Lion Australia has restructured its leadership team, with James Brindley returning to lead the business alongside Anubha Sahasrabuddhe. David Smith, MD of Lion Australia for the past two years, will step down.
Lion Group CEO Sam Fischer thanked Smith for his contributions, and leading the company’s turnaround with a strong strategy and successfully integrating Fermentum into the business.
“David has been part of these conversations and contributed to the proposed changes, but after careful consideration, he has decided to leave Lion,” he continued.
“The results can be seen in marketplace performance and customer feedback – and he leaves us well set up to continue to build momentum and perform into the future.”
In an internal announcement, Fischer outlined the changes to Sahasruddhe’s role and Brindley’s return to the business.
Sahasrabuddhe, who previously led the growth team, will now lead Lion Australia’s sales and marketing portfolios as chief growth and commercial officer in addition to her existing responsibilities.
“Anubha will continue to report to me and will remain a valued member of the group leadership team,” he continued.
“Lion Australia’s sales director, Kerry Appathurai, and marketing director, Rachel Ellerm, will report to Anubha while continuing to remain core members of the Lion Australia leadership team.”
Meanwhile, Brindley will be stepping back into the role of MD and will be directly accountable for the group’s supply chain and the company’s functions for government & external relations, finance and people & culture.
Simon Edgar, the new GM of Lion’s craft spirits business, Four Corners, will also report to Brindley from the end of the third quarter of this year.
“James will play a key role with customers, supporting our marketplace success, and, along with Anubha, will be jointly accountable for overall Lion Australia business performance,” Fischer added.
The changes will be effective immediately, with Smith agreeing to remain available to ensure a smooth handover.
