Lion announces major staff and structure changes to Australian leadership team

Lion has today announced various changes to its leadership team, including the appointment of James Brindley and Anubha Sahasrabuddhe as the Australian business leads. Together, Brindley and Sahasrabuddhe will replace the MD position previously held by David Smith.

Todays announcement, which was published in a email statement by Lion Group CEO Sam Fischer, also revealed details of the immediate merging of Lion Group Supply Chain and Lion Australia Supply Chain divisions.

“In 2023 we reviewed our operating model and implemented a new strategic approach to drive improved performance and future growth, including the decision to organise our business around clear geographies (Australia, New Zealand, and the United States),” said Sam Fischer.

“The new structure has resulted in empowered business units, greater teamwork across functions supporting our markets, and a leaner and more focused group team. 

“It has also unlocked increased investment, much of which is being refocused into Lion’s world-class brands, marketing campaigns and product innovation to meet the evolving needs of our customers and consumers.”

As of today, Anubha Sahasrabuddhe will lead the Lion Australia Sales & Marketing portfolios in addition to her current role as Growth Team leader. She will also join James Brindley as joint business lead of Lion Australia. James Brindley will be returning to the updated role of Managing Director, which he previously held for 12 years between 2009 and 2021. 

“Considering this significantly broader scope and impact of Anubha’s role, I am pleased to share that James Brindley will step back into the evolved role of Managing Director of Lion Australia,” said Fischer. 

“James will report to me and will rejoin the Lion Group Leadership Team. James will be directly accountable for the Group and Lion Australia Supply Chain, as well as Lion Australia functions for Government & External Relations, Finance and People & Culture.

"Since James concluded his role as Managing Director, he has continued to work in the industry building on the strong relationships he has with our customers.”

Following Mauricio Ferreira’s recent resignation from his position as Chief Supply Chain & Sustainability Officer, Lion has also announced a company restructuring that will merge together Lion Group’s Supply Chain and Australia Supply Chain divisions. Matthew Anderson, previous head of Lion Group Supply Chain, will assume the new role as Lion Group and Australia Supply Chain Director. 

“Matthew has been leading our Group Supply Chain for the last few months and is a highly respected and trusted leader across Lion and Kirin, with deep functional expertise across the end-to-end supply chain,” said Fischer.

While the announced leadership changes have already been implemented, ex-leadership will remain on board for a period to assist with the staff and structural transitional processes.

“Over the next few weeks, Matthew will work with his new leadership team on how best to integrate the Lion Group and Lion Australia supply chain functions to continue to build a world-class, efficient and customer-focused supply chain,” said Fischer.

“Anubha and James will get started immediately and David will be winding down his involvement – but has agreed to remain available to ensure a smooth handover,” said Fischer.

The announcements also follow on from the recent appointment of Simon Edgar as the General Manager of Lion’s new craft spirits business Four Corners. 

“To support our continued success, the Group Leadership Team has reviewed the portfolio of each member and together, we have made the decision to refine our structures further,” said Fischer.

“These changes directly support our geographic operating model and continue to recognise our commitment to building growth capabilities, cultural transformation and development of our people. 

“Importantly, they also directly support our growth strategy and ongoing focus on efficiency.”