Finance Director, Lion Nathan New Zealand

I first joined Lion Nathan on a part time basis during university study in 1994. I was lucky enough to be part of the Treasury team with the unique situation where my post grad corporate finance study was highly relevant to the work I was undertaking.

Following post grad completion I joined Lion Nathan full time due to the exciting options and clear opportunities that I could see ahead. Strategic project work with McKinsey followed in both Sydney and Shanghai; a fascinating life experience with the Shanghai secondment lasting a year. The business was embryonic; the issues were very challenging, and the adventure unforgettable.

Following China I returned to New Zealand for a role in Operations, and then two years later moved to Sydney to work on the newly created Hahn Premium Light as its National Brand Manager. A two year stint as the Toohey’s Commercial Manager followed and then another cross functional role change into Sales looking after Coles Myer as a National Business Manager – certainly one of the more challenging roles!

The opportunity to experience these different businesses, countries and functions has certainly added to my broad understanding of our business issues and opportunities; hopefully making me a better leader now. I returned to New Zealand two years ago as the Strategy Director and a year ago took up the role as the New Zealand Finance Director.

The rationale of staying with Lion Nathan is clear – we offer unique opportunities and advance one’s experience and learning potential by exposing people to exciting issues and challenges. What a fantastic way to grow as a business person.