Kerry Appathurai has been named as Lion Australia’s new Sales Director, overseeing selling of the brewer’s portfolio of leading brands including XXXX, Tooheys, Little Creatures, James Squire and Hahn.
Lion Australia Managing Director David Smith said: “Kerry is in her fifth year at Lion, most recently as Customer Solutions Director and prior to that as Customer Director. In her new role as Sales Director, she will take on accountability for all customers and channels, as well as category development, shopper marketing, Lion Digital, and the Lion Connect customer support team.
“Kerry has more than 25 years’ experience in FMCG across both the retail and supplier landscape, including senior roles in Parmalat and Nestle, and brings a strong customer lens and experience in sales, category and channel strategy.
“Kerry is exceptional at building strong relationships and value creating partnerships with customers. She has a brilliant track record of strong collaboration and I believe this sets her up very well to deliver for our customers and Lion, together.”
Stepping into the role with immediate effect, Kerry said she was so proud to lead Lion’s formidable sales team and to continue to foster its strong partnerships with on- and off-premise customers alike.
“As Sales Director, I am focused on ensuring Lion is known for delivering thought leadership, long-term growth through our brands of today and tomorrow, and collaborating with our customers and partners to ensure brilliant execution. Having recently completed a national roadshow, meeting many of our on- and off-premise partners, and spending more time with our incredible people, I am inspired by what we can achieve, especially as we come out of some of the toughest years the industry has ever experienced. We are present, hungry and courageously bringing new opportunities, always offering our customers the support they need to grow their business, and providing creative solutions to maximise consumer satisfaction,” Appathurai said.
“Above all else, I want to showcase Lion’s continued focus on delivering for our customers and consumers by putting forward Australia’s leading portfolio of adult beverages – and working hand-in-hand with our Managing Director David, and our CMO Anubha Sahasrabuddhe to put this at the forefront of everything we do as a business.”
ENDS.
