Asahi Beverages says it has created a new executive role, Group Chief Operating Officer, along with making other executive changes.
The drinks company says it intends the new role to be “transitional” to prepare for succession to the CEO role.
In a statement, the company said: “Following several years of strong revenue and earnings growth, in otherwise challenging market conditions, Asahi Beverages is in a great position to commence an orderly transition to a new leader.”
Robert Iervasi
Asahi is internally promoting Robert Iervasi as Group Chief Operating Officer. Robert is currently Group Chief Financial Officer and Group General Counsel.
Executive Chairman Peter Margin said: “This is great recognition of the outstanding personal and professional development Robert has undergone in recent years. It shows that Asahi Beverages is prepared to develop talent within the business.
“I’m also pleased about the transparency of our succession planning process, as it encourages a culture of openness and candour on professional development. I look forward to working with Robert in his new role.”
Robert started his career with the company, then Cadbury Schweppes, in 2006. According to Asahi, he progressed through a number of roles across both Confectionery and Food & Beverages.
Before Cadbury Schweppes, Robert worked with Coles Group Limited based in Melbourne, as principal legal advisor for the Kmart business in both Australia and New Zealand. He also has experience in private practice in litigation, tax, general corporate, and mergers and acquisition.
Other changes
- Chief Supply Chain Officer Wayne Angus will take up a role within Asahi Group Holdings in Japan.
- Amanda Sellers will become Group Chief Financial Officer and being General Manager Finance, Transurban.
- Sandra Gibbs will become Chief Supply Chain Officer after joining Asahi in November 2017 as General Manager Customer Value Chain.
- Amanda and Sandra join the executive leadership team, along with Anna Barlow, who was appointed Chief Science & Innovation Officer last August.
“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to promote people within our business, as well as recruit extremely capable and experienced people to our leadership team,” Mr Margin said.
“Together, they will provide diverse, interesting and stimulating perspectives to help challenge and grow our business.”