With a company restructure, CEO of Asahi Beverage’s Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) business, Danny Celoni, has decided to leave the company. CEO Amanda Sellers said Celoni had made an “exceptional contribution” to the business and played an important role over recent months in discussions that resulted in the new structure.
“Danny is an incredibly respected CEO and industry leader, so we understand Danny’s decision to pursue new opportunities at the CEO level. He will leave the business at the end of June, but until then he will continue to play an important role in ensuring the transition process runs smoothly,” Sellers said.
“[He] will leave a lasting legacy. Danny’s significant achievements include the development of our leading alcohol innovation pipeline and CUB winning the Australian Drinks Awards Supplier of the Year two years in a row. His success in instilling a customer-centric mindset at CUB, and his effective strategies to expand the category, have delivered us strong growth across our alcohol portfolio over the past three years,” she said.
The restructure will see the consolidation of alcohol and non-alcohol commercial and sales functions and the NZ business, removing the CEO positions in its three divisions – ALB, Carlton & United Breweries and Asahi Beverages NZ.
Nigel Parsons, CEO of Asahi Lifestyle Beverages (ALB), will move into the newly created chief commercial officer (CCO) role from 1 April. Parsons will be responsible for the group’s commercial and sales functions across ANZ and alcohol and non-alcohol categories.
Parsons joined the business in March 2021.
Sellers, said Parsons had achieved “considerable success” as CEO of ALB, increasing market share and sales across its non-alcohol beverages portfolio.
“Nigel has built exceptional relationships with our customers, which has resulted in significant new partnership deals and an expanded customer base.
“The consolidation of the group’s Australian commercial and sales functions and the NZ business under a CCO will simplify our multi-beverage business, delivering a superior customer experience. We’re confident that we’ll unlock new growth opportunities and deliver on evolving consumer drinking trends,” she said.
Andrew Campbell, CEO of Asahi Beverages NZ, will continue to lead the New Zealand business in the new position of NZ Country Manager, reporting to the new COO.
Brian Phan has been appointed chief growth officer. He will be responsible for the Marketing, Innovation, and Portfolio Management in Australia across alcohol and non-alcohol, as well as continuing to lead the Strategy and Disruption team and reporting to Sellers.
There are no changes to its beverages or manufacturing operations.
