Brownes Dairy has appointed Natalie Sarich-Dayton as its new CEO.
Ms Sarich-Dayton becomes the first female CEO to lead the Western Australian company in its 135-year history. She was previously Brownes Director of Sales and Marketing.
“Brownes Dairy is a remarkable company with a thirst for product and brand innovation,” says Ms Sarich-Dayton.
“Everyone in the business genuinely believes in our mission of ‘doing dairy better, together’, and I’m excited to take the reins as CEO and continue our tradition of nourishing Australian families with the best range of high-quality dairy products.”
With two decades of experience in the international food and beverage industry, Ms Sarich-Dayton was a “driving force” behind Brownes Dairy’s return of the iconic ‘Milkos’ home delivery service.
The service won national and international accolades. This included a Gold trophy in the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, Social Idea of the Year in the annual Mumbrella Awards, and best Covid Pivot by the Australian Financial Review.
Ms Sarich-Dayton’s appointment comes after long-serving CEO Tony Girgis steps down from the role.
“Brownes Dairy is an iconic WA company and I have been honoured to have led a vibrant and innovative team for many years as the CEO and Managing Director,” says Mr Girgis.
“I have greatly enjoyed working alongside Natalie, and believe she is an inspired choice as the company’s new CEO who will continue to bring success to Western Australia’s favourite dairy.”
About Natalie
Ms Sarich-Dayton was born and educated in the Perth Hills of WA before graduating from the University of Western Australia.
She then carved out a distinguished career in sales, marketing and management spanning more than 20 years, working for some of the world’s top international food and beverage companies in Australia and overseas, including Coca-Cola Amatil, HJ Heinz, Danone and Unilever.
In 2019 and 2020, Ms Sarich-Dayton’s marketing leadership of Brownes Dairy was honoured with placings in the CMO50 list of Australia’s most innovative and effective Chief Marketing Officers.
Ms Sarich-Dayton, says Brownes Dairy, joins an “all too small” group of women in charge of WA’s most successful companies including Elizabeth Gaines, the CEO of Fortescue Metals Group and Stephanie Unwin, CEO of Horizon Power.
“It’s crucial WA business take a leading role in promoting more women to leadership positions, and I’m honoured that Brownes has entrusted me with this vital role,” she says.
“The pandemic has reminded us about the role we all can play in keeping our communities, including our businesses, authentically connected.”