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				Embrace Difference presents The New Normal

Embrace Difference presents The New Normal

October 19, 2020

Next week, the Embrace Difference Council will host its first national event with a virtual panel presentation on how the drinks industry has adapted during COVID-19.

There are no border restrictions for this event, making it an opportunity for us to come together, consider the year that has been and ponder what lies ahead. Be a part of it and learn and gain insights into differing perspectives. This Embrace Difference event is a true example of diversity and inclusion.

Three speakers will sit on the panel and share their personal insights as to how they have adapted and discuss the initiatives their businesses put in place to support their people during this time.

Please join us on Wednesday, 28 October from 1.00pm-2.00pm (AEST) on Zoom. You can register here.

Coca-Cola Amatil's General Manager Coffee, Sally Byrne, will facilitate the panel that is comprised of:

Sarah Parkes - Director Independents, On Premise & Field Sales, Treasury Wine Estates

Sarah joined the Drinks Association board in 2018, with 20 years’ experience in the drinks industry across the alcohol and non-alcohol beverage sectors. She worked in senior roles at Diageo and Guinness for 10 years, and subsequently worked for nine years at PepsiCo, giving her valuable experience in the FMCG sector. Sarah returned to the alcohol beverages industry when she joined Treasury Wine Estates in late 2017. Through her career, Sarah has gained strong insight and perspective on the value of drinks industry in attracting and retaining top talent, and the contribution it makes to the economy.

Louise Cooper, Legal & Risk Manager, Coopers Brewery

Louise Cooper joined the Brewery in March 2019 as Legal Affairs and Risk Manager, having previously worked as a lawyer for more than seven years. She is the third member of the sixth-generation to take up a full-time role at the brewery.

Louise was on the Coopers COVID-19 Response Team, which led the company through changes in work practices while aiming to maintain business continuity.

Eric Thomson, Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Eric has over 18 years’ experience in the drinks industry leading sales and marketing teams. Eric joined Pernod Ricard nine years ago and has worked in the Canadian, the US and Australian markets. Currently Eric oversees the marketing team in ANZ market for the entire Pernod Ricard portfolio, and leads the global marketing and strategy for the Pernod Ricard Wine brands. Eric is passionate about empowering strong teams and bringing agility and diversity into the everyday workplace. With a young family of his own, Eric is a keen advocate of flexible working practices whilst maintaining a strong core vision for his team.

The Embrace Difference Council is an evolution of prior industry Councils Women in Drinks and Diversity & Inclusion at Drinks. The purpose of the Embrace Difference council is to establish the drinks industry as a destination of choice by facilitating awareness, challenging perceptions and building practices that attract, develop and retain diverse talent.


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