everage manufacturer Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) has announced plans to reorganise its Australian Beverages following the first phase of the strategic review of the business.From 1 June 2014, the Non-Alcoholic Beverages and the Licensed and Alcohol business units will report separately to the Group Managing Director.
“The strategic review being undertaken recognises that we are moving into a different era as market conditions across the Group become more competitive and growth becomes more difficult to achieve,” said Alison Watkins, CCA’s new Group Managing Director. “An organisation structure which provides a strong focus on the performance and strategy of each of our businesses is important,” she said.
New leadership for Non-Alcoholic Beverages business
CCA said its core Non-Alcoholic Beverages business unit would require “strong” leadership and close alignment with our partner The Coca Cola Company to execute an agreed strategy which will leverage CCA’s strengths and drive transformational change.
Barry O’Connell, CCA New Zealand’s current Managing Director, has agreed to take up the position of Managing Director, CCA Australia – Non-Alcoholic Beverages.
Mr O’Connell had 20 years of system experience with Coca-Cola Hellenic in Europe prior to joining CCA.
“He has an impressive track record of success in the industry and has demonstrated strong leadership and delivered improved results in the New Zealand business since joining CCA in early 2013,” Ms Watkins said.
Licensed and Alcohol business to report directly to Group MD
CCA said the Licensed and Alcohol business unit would report directly to Ms Watkins “to enable greater speed of response to market, facilitating a more entrepreneurial approach within a different industry sector”.
The Company said the structure would allow it to work closely with its partners to identify and capitalise on growth opportunities. Shane Richardson will continue in his role as Director, Licensed and Alcohol.
Previous Australian Beverages MD to leave CCA
CCA said that as a result of the structural change and appointments, John Murphy, CCA’s current Managing Director – Australian Beverages, would leave CCA at the end of June 2014, after deciding that there were no suitable positions within the new organisation.
“I would like to thank John for his obvious passion, energy and enthusiasm for the business which he displays on a daily basis, and of course the tremendous impact he has had, particularly in developing our beer and spirit portfolio and strategy, which will be his legacy with CCA,” Ms Watkins said.
New Acting MD for CCA New Zealand and Fiji
With Barry O’Connell relocating to Australia, CCA said its current New Zealand Sales Director Chris Litchfield would be appointed as Acting Managing Director of CCA New Zealand and Fiji. A decision on a permanent appointment will be made in the coming months.
