Lion names Anubha Sahasrabuddhe CEO, creates unified ANZ unit

Lion is consolidating its Australian and New Zealand operations into a single business unit and appointing chief growth and commercial officer Anubha Sahasrabuddhe as CEO, positioning the brewer as what it calls an “Australasian powerhouse.”

The restructure will see Lion’s Australian and New Zealand leadership teams combined into a single Lion ANZ leadership group from 1 October, enabling what the company describes as faster decision-making and closer collaboration across both markets. Sahasrabuddhe, who joined Lion in 2021 after senior roles at Coca-Cola and Mars Wrigley, will take over as CEO at the same time.

“In recent years we’ve been transforming Lion to create a powerful platform for growth,” she said. “Lion ANZ will make us more dynamic and market-focused than ever before – propelling our iconic beer brands to new heights and supercharging our growth in Australia and New Zealand.”

Current CEO Sam Fischer will step down at the end of October as previously announced.

The changes will also see Lion’s US businesses New Belgium Brewing and Distinguished Vineyards report directly to parent company Kirin, freeing the local unit to focus on Australian and New Zealand customers.

Long-time Lion Australia managing director James Brindley will continue until the end of 2025 before moving into a new strategic advisor role in 2026, where he will remain on the ANZ leadership team and continue to oversee the spirits portfolio. Lion NZ boss Craig Baldie will become chief operating officer, with responsibility spanning strategy, digital, sustainability and container deposit schemes.

Other senior appointments include Severine Yerriah as CFO, Matthew Anderson as chief supply chain officer, Glen Brasington as executive general manager of marketing, Kerry Appathurai as executive general manager of sales, Adam Gelbart as executive general manager of commercial operations, Jane Hill as chief people officer, and Julian Luke as executive director of corporate affairs.

Outgoing CFO Triston King and chief people and transformation officer Alicia Purtell will leave the business in March 2026 after supporting the transition.

Sahasrabuddhe has been central to Lion’s growth strategy since joining as CMO in 2021, later expanding her remit to growth and commercial operations. She said the creation of Lion ANZ built on the company’s 180-year heritage while preparing it for its “next era of growth.”