Chobani Australia has appointed Ishani Samarasekera as its new finance & IT director, and Sami Cannone as sales general manager, the latest management shift as the company looks towards the future.
The Hive Awards winning company appointed a new managing director for Australia and New Zealand, Scott Hadley, in April 2024 to lead Chobani, and new general managers for marketing and science & innovation in November.
“At Chobani, we’ve always believed that great people build great businesses,” said Hadley.
Source: Chobani
“With Ishani and Sami now on board, we’ve completed a senior team that’s primed to lead with purpose, challenge the status quo, and fuel the next wave of growth for Chobani and Gippsland Dairy. We’re focused on delivering food that’s delicious, nutritious and made the right way – while growing our positive impact in the communities we serve.”
The company stated Samarasekera and Connone bring a powerful mix of commercial insight, transformation mindset and values-led leadership that will further strengthen Chobani’s impact across Australia and New Zealand.
Samarasekera joins Chobani from General Mills, where she led finance across Europe and Australia, spanning six countries in a $1.5 billion business. With a decade of senior finance experience in Melbourne and Switzerland across strategy, FP&A, operations and governance, Samarasekera will oversee finance, strategy, IT and integrated business planning at Chobani.
“I’m thrilled to be joining a team that pairs bold ambition with a real sense of purpose,” said Samarasekera.
“At Chobani, we’re not just growing – we’re building a business that’s smarter, more connected, and fit for the future. I look forward to unlocking value across the organisation by bringing together great people, strong systems, and bold ideas.”
Cannone is stepping into the role of sales general manager, bringing nearly 20 years’ experience across sales, account management and commercial strategy. Her career includes leadership roles with Mars Petcare, Sun Road Food & Beverage, Frucor Beverages and Coca-Cola Amatil, spanning field, grocery and emerging channels.
“I’m excited to be joining a team that’s redefining what good growth looks like,” said Cannone.
“Chobani’s mission to bring better food to more people deeply resonates with me, and I’m energised by the opportunity to work with our customers to deliver shared success. Strong partnerships are at the heart of great outcomes – and I’m looking forward to building even deeper, more strategic relationships that help bring Chobani and Gippsland Dairy to more fridges across Australia and New Zealand.”
The company stated the appointments reinforce Chobani’s ongoing commitment to leadership excellence and values-led growth, ensuring the business is well-positioned to meet the needs of consumers today and tomorrow.
