Stone Advisory, a representative body for independent grocers, has appointed Warwick White as its inaugural CEO.
IGA, along with other independent grocery retailers, is moving to become a more competitive force in the $90 billion sector. Stone Advisory was formed to represent the interests of IGA licensees and other independent grocers to work constructively with their external stakeholders, leverage and strengthen the independent grocery network, help individual businesses grow, and improve their offering in today’s increasingly competitive grocery landscape by unifying the voice of the independent.
Stone Advisory Chair Vasilli Karellas says Mr White has a proven track record in working in the licensing system.
“He’s a highly regarded executive and will provide independent grocery retailers with a strong voice and dynamic leadership,” Mr Karellas said.
Mr White was managing director of Coca-Cola Amatil Australasia for 12 years (from 2002 to 2014) where he was responsible for leading four separate businesses, covering soft drinks, beer, spirits and coffee, and managed more than $4 billion in revenue and 6,000 employees.
He also chaired the Australian Food and Beverage Council for three years, and, more recently, headed the international operations of one of the world’s largest coffee businesses, Keurig.
Mr White says the retailers that make up the IGA family and other independents are well placed to accelerate change and he looks forward to helping energise the independent grocery network.
“The grocery environment in Australia and globally is undergoing significant and exciting change, driven by new entrants and new technologies, and this is driving increased competition,” he said.
“Independent grocers have a great value proposition, offering great convenience and more personalised service for local consumers.
“I look forward to building on this to bring our customers the best possible produce, products and service along with new competitive advantages.”