Lion CMO Anubha Sahasrabuddhe promoted to chief growth officer
Chief marketing officer at alcoholic beverages company, Lion, Anubha Sahasrabuddhe has moved into the role of chief growth officer.
Chief growth officer is a newly created leadership role, with Sahasrabuddhe’s remit now also including strategy, data, digital and technology. Sahasrabuddhe was also recently appointed to the board of the Australian Association of National Adevertisers.
Sahasrabuddhe sees her role expanded
CEO of Lion, Sam Fischer said: “Creating a standalone growth portfolio within the business allows us to further prioritise investment in innovation and new market opportunities while continuing to grow our global brand portfolio.
“Anubha has played a critical role in driving Lion’s innovation and thought leadership agenda forward, and I know she will take on expanded responsibilities with enthusiasm and purpose, ensuring we’re delivering a best-in-class digital experience for our customers, consumers and our people.”
Sahasrabuddhe said on her expanded remit: “Culture and technology are two of the biggest forces driving businesses like ours forward – both are changing at a dramatic pace. Helping businesses and brands grow by aggregating capabilities in data and digital is something I’m very passionate about, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to bring this to life with the growth team during an exciting period for our business.”
To support her, Rachel Ellerm has been appointed as marketing director for Lion Australia, moving across from the same role in the New Zealand market. She has been with Lion since 2018, previously holding marketing roles with Goodman Fielder, Coca-Cola, and Yum Brands.
Ellerm: moves across from Lion NZ
Lion Australia’s managing director, David Smith said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rachel to our Australian leadership team. She brings incredible energy and passion for Lion’s brands and people. Over the past four years, Rach has demonstrated impressive marketing leadership in New Zealand, taking the Lion portfolio to the number one position in the market and establishing Speight’s as New Zealand’s leading beer brand.”
Finally, connections director, Ed Stening has been appointed as general manager for spirits. This includes the Vanguard Luxury Brands spirits distribution and Four Pillars Gin. Stening is speaking at Mumbrella’s Retail Marketing Summit next month.
Smith added: “We see plenty of headroom for growth in spirits and this appointment on our leadership team reflects our belief in the opportunity ahead. Ed brings extensive global experience in spirits, having spent several years in Spain with Beam Suntory as Marketing Director, Global Travel Retail. He deeply understands and is passionate about brand building, and combines this with exceptional and innovative digital, channel and commercial experience.”
In 2021, Thinkerbell was appointed as Lion’s sole creative agency, with the brand recently launching a new campaign for the XXXX brand.
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Calum Jaspan was news editor at Mumbrella, based in Melbourne. He was also the producer and host of the Mumbrellacast. He left Mumbrella in May 2023.
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