Former GrainCorp chief executive, Alison Watkins, has officially taken over as Coca-Cola Amatil’s (CCA) new group managing director, replacing departing group MD Terry Davis.
Watkins announced her resignation from GrainCorp in December after a proposed $3.4 billion takeover was rejected by the Treasurer Joe Hockey.
CCA chairman David Gonski said Watkins brought a wealth of experience as both a CEO and a non-executive director
across many sectors, including the food and beverage industry, banking and management, and she fully understood the challenges ahead.
“She is a proven and successful leader and I know she will invest new ideas and energy into the team. We wish her every success in her role.”
CCA said that during her time as GrainCorp CEO, Watkins helped transform the company from a grain logistics business in
eastern Australia into a diversified international grain company with operations spanning nine countries.
The company also noted that Watkins had spent the last 10 years working right across the food and beverage value chain. She was also CEO of Berri Limited, and had gained a customer perspective through her time as a nonexecutive director of Woolworths Limited.
"She has exposure to many international markets including Indonesia, most recently with ANZ Banking Group, where she is currently a nonexecutive director," CCA said.
CCA’s outgoing group managing director, Terry Davis, remains available for advice and special projects to Watkins and the board until the end of August 2014.
According to Fairfax Media, Davis will be paid $150,000 a year for three years by CCA in exchange for him not working for competitors in Australia.
