Maggie Beer Holdings has named Chris Illman as its new MD, effective September 2. The appointment comes as the company reported an improvement in its bottom line for FY26.
Illman has served as a non-executive director of the company since last November. After assuming the MD role, he will continue to hold office as a director, in an executive capacity.
Illman brings more than 30 years of senior leadership experience across the FMCG, liquor and hospitality industries. He is currently head of group sales, marketing and hospitality at Bickford’s Group and previously held executive leadership positions at Kraft Foods International, Foster’s Group and Southcorp Wines.
In a separate announcement, the company reported a statutory loss of $9.5 million for the year ended June 30, a 60 per cent reduction from last year’s loss.
Net sales were slightly down by 0.2 per cent to $75.7 million, with strong growth at the Maggie Beer Products (MBP) business offset by decline at Hampers & Gifts Australia (HGA).
MBP net sales soared 8.2 per cent during the period, driven by core categories, product innovation and broadened distribution. Margin improved by one percentage point to 39.8 per cent despite a discount-driven supermarket sector.
HGA net sales slid 6.3 per cent, attributed to a decline in online sales following the migration of its websites to a new platform.
Maggie Beer confirmed that the proposed sale of HGA remains on track for completion next February. The company announced the $10 million transaction earlier this year, a markdown from the $40 million it paid for the business in 2021.
