Lion's Sahasrabuddhe to lead new standalone growth division

Lion has made three new leadership appointments in Australia with Anubha Sahasrabuddhe appointed to newly created role - Chief Growth Officer, Rachel Ellerm as Marketing Director – Lion Australia and Ed Stening as General Manager – Spirits, leading Vanguard Luxury Brands.

Sahasrabuddhe's new role extends her remit to include strategy, data, digital and technology - a standalone growth division for the business.

CEO Sam Fischer said: “Creating a standalone growth portfolio within the business allows us to further prioritise investment in innovation and new market opportunities while continuing to grow our global brand portfolio.

“Anubha has played a critical role in driving Lion’s innovation and thought leadership agenda forward, and I know she will take on expanded responsibilities with enthusiasm and purpose, ensuring we’re delivering a best-in-class digital experience for our customers, consumers and our people.”

Sahasrabuddhe said: “Culture and technology are two of the biggest forces driving businesses like ours forward – both are changing at a dramatic pace. Helping businesses and brands grow by aggregating capabilities in data and digital is something I’m very passionate about, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to bring this to life with the growth team during an exciting period for our business.” 

New Zealand's Marketing Director, Rachel Ellerm will cross the Tasman to take up the position Marketing Director – Lion Australia. (Sahasrabuddhe has been Lion's Chief Marketing Officer since 2020.)

Ellerm has previously held senior marketing roles at Coca Cola, Goodman Fielder and Yum! Brands and is a past recipient of NZ Marketer of the Year award.

Lion Australia Managing Director, David Smith said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rachel to our Australian leadership team. She brings incredible energy and passion for Lion’s brands and people. Over the past four years, Rach has demonstrated impressive marketing leadership in New Zealand, taking the Lion portfolio to the number one position in the market and establishing Speight’s as New Zealand’s leading beer brand.”

Ed Stening has been appointed General Manager – Spirits, leading the Vanguard Luxury Brands spirits distribution business and Lion’s shareholding in Four Pillars Gin. His previous role was Connections Director.

Smith said: “We see plenty of headroom for growth in spirits and this appointment on our leadership team reflects our belief in the opportunity ahead. Ed brings extensive global experience in spirits, having spent several years in Spain with Beam Suntory as Marketing Director, Global Travel Retail. He deeply understands and is passionate about brand building, and combines this with exceptional and innovative digital, channel and commercial experience.”