Metcash has announced that Kylie Wallbridge will take over as the new CEO of their liquor division – Australian Liquor Marketers (ALM).
Wallbridge joins Metcash with a deep knowledge and understanding of the Australian and global liquor industries, with more than 25 years of commercial, brand and marketing experience. She is currently Managing Director at Diageo in the United Kingdom, and has also been Managing Director of Diageo’s Japan business.
Many in Australia will know Wallbridge from her time working with the Heineken Lion business as Managing Director before she took on international roles with the Heineken Company across the Asia Pacific region and East Africa over a thirteen year period.
The announcement follows the earlier retirement of Chris Baddock as CEO of the Liquor pillar due to health reasons and will see Wallbridge take over from Acting Liquor CEO, John Barakat.
Metcash CEO, Doug Jones said: “Kylie is a proven business leader with a track record for delivering results. Her alignment to our purpose of Championing Successful Independents and her passion for people is evident through her strong relationships with both retailers and suppliers. I have no doubt Kylie will be a great asset to the Liquor pillar and Metcash more broadly. We warmly welcome her to Metcash. I would also like to sincerely thank John for acting in the role following the retirement of Chris last October.”
In a post to Linked In, Wallbridge said “I’m thrilled to share that I will be returning to Australia to join Metcash and take up the role of CEO Australian Liquor Marketers on 1 March.”
“With a mission of championing successful independents across AU & NZ, ALM is Australia’s largest liquor wholesaler and brings liquor expertise and passion to life through strong retail brands and partnership.”
“My thanks and best wishes to the inimitable Chris Baddock – these are big shoes to fill!”
“To the ALM team; our network of suppliers, retailers and on-premise venues, I’m looking forward to engaging and continuing the great work already underway.”
