Lion announces new CEO and ANZ structure

Lion has announced a new CEO and structure that combines Lion's Australian and New Zealand operations under a single Lion ANZ Leadership Team.

Anubha Sahasrabuddhe, Lion’s Chief Growth & Commercial Officer and the co-leader of Lion Australia, has been appointed as Lion’s new Chief Executive Officer. Anubha joined Lion in 2021 following senior leadership roles at The Coca-Cola Company and Mars Wrigley across Asia Pacific and North America.

New Lion ANZ CEO Anubha Sahasrabuddhe.

Lion’s current New Zealand Managing Director, Craig Baldie, has been appointed to a new role of Chief Operating Officer and New Zealand Country Director.

In this role Craig Baldie will take on an expanded portfolio of responsibilities including Strategy, Digital & Technology and Sustainability, and he will continue to lead the Sales & Marketing teams in New Zealand.

“Our new leaner operating model will speed up decision-making, boost collaboration, and support shared best practices across both markets, while keeping sales and marketing teams empowered to lead locally,” Craig said.

Lion says that its United States businesses, New Belgium Brewing and Distinguished Vineyards, have grown to a point of scale and maturity where they can report directly to KIRIN, allowing Lion to focus its full attention and investment on Australian and New Zealand customers.

The changes will take effect from 1 October 2025 and Sam Fischer will conclude as Lion CEO at the end of October 2025, as previously announced.