Qantas executive Jayne Hrdlicka has made a surprise move to head up the New Zealand-founded a2 Milk Company.
She replaces Geoff Babidge who has been chief executive of the dual Australian and New Zealand-listed company since 2010.
“I am delighted to be joining the very talented and accomplished team at the a2 Milk Company as their new CEO. This is a strong and principled company with significant opportunity ahead and impressive momentum in each of its core markets,” Hrdlicka said in a statement.
Up to a month ago she was Jetstar chief executive for five years before moving to lead Qantas’ booming loyalty business.
During her time with Jetstar she also served as a non-executive director of Woolworths and in her earlier career Hrdlicka was a partner at Bain & Company in the United States, where she was focused on customer-orientated businesses.
Babidge said he would stay in the job until the end of the 2018 financial year.
Shares in a2 Milk Company have soared over the past year from $2.13 to $7.73.
Source: Stuff.co.nz
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The move, part of Pernod Ricard’s strategy to enhance its premiumisation efforts, will allow the company to focus more resources on its portfolio of premium international spirits and champagne brands that drive the growth of its business. This decision aligns with the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees, clients and partners.
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