Ben Slocombe has joined LMG as its new Head of Marketing. Slocombe departed from CCEP in July. He was the General Manager of Beer and Cider and CCEP announced in January that it would step away from beer and cider production sale and distribution. He has worked in several senior marketing and commercial roles including as Marketing Director at Blackmores as well as having spent 15 years in marketing leadership roles at Lion.
Damien Page, LMG's General Manager, said: “With 22 consecutive quarters of growth, this is an ideal time to be getting someone of Ben’s calibre on board. Ben will be crucial to maintaining that momentum by strengthening LMG’s retail brands and developing our loyalty programs to deliver maximum value for our members.”
LMG purchased Zen Global – Adelaide based data and digital marketing business – earlier this year. It will run the backend of LMG’s loyalty program which is set to launch in 2023. Slocombe will also be focusing on the digital marketing more broadly.
LMG placed first in the Advantage Engagement Program for its ability to clearly articulate e-commerce and digital strategy in 2022. Prior to COVID, 40 of its stores were online, taking an average of $50K in sales per month. Today, there are 204 stores trading online with ecommerce now counting for 3.5 per cent of LMG’s sales. LMG’s online basket is more than double the value of the one in-store: $90 online vs $43 in-store.
Slocombe said: “I’m excited to be involved in the fast-paced environment of retail and to help facilitate the adoption and evolution of the digital technologies that will keep our members’ businesses thriving. Digital marketing solutions are an essential part of building brand consideration and of helping our members navigate any challenges associated with the economic climate.
“It’s terrific to be part of a team that has both a great culture and a laser-focus on its commitment to benefiting its members.”
Slocombe commenced as Head of Marketing at LMG at the beginning of November.