Kerry Appathurai is Lion Australia’s new Sales Director.
In her new role, she’ll be taking on accountability for all customers and channels, as well as category development, shopper marketing, Lion Digital, and the Lion Connect customer support team. She now leads a team of 12 direct reports who between them oversee 600 employees at Lion.
Anyone who has met Ms Appathurai knows that she is smart, ambitious, even keeled, engaged, intelligent and solutions focused. When you meet her or work with her, anything that needs doing feels entirely possible. There are no limits.
Managing Director David Smith says, “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.”
The appointment comes in her fifth year with the brewing giant, following 25 years in FMCG –at Parmalat and Nestle - and at a moment of transformation for the 180 year old Australian brewer.
Mr Smith joined as Managing Director earlier this year following the departure of James Brindley (after twelve years in the role), while Sam Fischer has just returned from Asia to take up the post of CEO after 16 years with Diageo APAC. Mr Fischer will set Lion on its way beyond 180 years of brewing beer and is entrusted with seeing through the group’s Force For Good Sustainability ambitions.
Ms Appathurai says, “It is a moment of transformation for Lion. The changes in key leadership present a moment for curiosity, to ask questions and consider new opportunities,” she says.
“It is a moment to challenge perspectives, push boundaries and adopt a more strategic focus on our portfolio, our people and our partnerships. Now’s the time to take stock of our incredible brands and consider not just the people who love them today but to consider the consumer who is going to love them tomorrow.”
Ms Appathurai has just returned from a roadshow in each state where she and Mr Smith connected many of their on- and off-premise partners.
“The people, the culture: they are the biggest attraction. The drinks industry is about sociability and we play an important part in people’s lives. That really struck me on the roadshow: the value of the local pub as a place where people take a breath and catch up,” she said.
“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.”
Lion’s Chief Marketing Officer, Anubha Sahasrabuddhe commenced in her role around 18 months ago and since then has overhauled Lion’s portfolio strategy, central to which was enusring Lion’s suite of brands are as relevant to the Australian consumer of tomorrow as they are today.
“Tomorrow’s consumer emerges from a very different Australia to the one from 143 years ago,” said Ms Appathurai using XXXX as an example.
“It is a balance in taking pride in brand heritage and keeping it fresh.”
In the latest XXXX campaign, Lion asks people to Give A XXXX, if not for the planet, for the beer.
“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,” she says.
“We need to do this through ruthlessly prioritising and creating the conditions to succeed. No doubt there will be challenges along the way, the last few years have taught us that, but it is what we do next that defines us, and how we turn problems into opportunities. Strong communication and collaboration is key – but the hunger to go find a way and drive outcomes is what energises me.”
Indeed. Ms Appathurai sees only possibilities. And that is the Lion of the future.
The Drinks Association congratulates its Alternate Board Director for Lion, Kerry Appathurai, on her appointment.