Reg Weine has resigned as CEO and managing director of infant formula company, Bubs Australia. He had been in the role since August 2023, having joined the board as a non-executive director in April that year. His replacement, Joe Coote, starts immediately.
Bubs Australia chair, Katrina Rathie, thanked Weine for his contribution.
Weine said, “I'm immensely proud to have led Bubs over the past two years. In that time, Bubs has grown internationally into a profitable, global infant nutrition player. I'm excited about the future and, with that in mind, now is the right time to pass the baton to a new leader. I remain a committed shareholder.”
Coote has been in leadership roles in fast moving consumer goods, dairy, and infant nutrition sectors for more than 20 years.
From 2020 to 2021, Coote was the CEO of Darigold, the fourth-largest dairy co-operative in the US, overseeing more than $3 billion in global sales. Prior to that he was at Fonterra Co-op for almost 12 years, leading commercial operations across the US, Asia, and ANZ culminating in president of Fonterra Americas where he oversaw over $3 billion in regional sales.
Rathie said Coote’s experience aligned with Bubs’ strategic priorities.
“His proven track record in driving operational excellence and leading large-scale transformations across international markets will be instrumental in expanding our premium clean-label goat and grass-fed dairy product portfolio across key export destinations including the US, China and other Asian markets,” Rathie said.
Coote said, “After 15 years abroad building global brands, it’s a privilege to return home and channel my experience into leading an Australian brand that’s redefining premium infant nutrition.
“I’m excited to lead the Bubs’ team to build a world-class infant nutrition brand that delivers exceptional outcomes for our shareholders and families the world over.”
Rathie added, “This combination of extensive expertise in supply chain, finance, and commercial operations together with his strong global networks make Joe an ideal fit to guide Bubs through its next phase of growth, particularly his recent eight-year tenure in the US as we anticipate securing permanent US market access later in 2025.”
Coote’s familiarity with the US market is a major boon for the company as it navigates FDA regulatory processes and looks to strengthen retail and distribution partnerships once permanent access is announced. His existing relationships and networks in supply chain, logistics, and distribution are seen as a major asset with Bubs focus on scaling clean-label goat and grass-fed dairy products across key channels.
