Treasury Wine Estates has appointed former Coca-Cola executive Robert Foye to head up its Asia and Europe, Middle East & Africa regions, following the departure of Andrew Carter last week.
The wine company last week announced major changes to the business, including writing down AU$260 million, changing Penfolds release dates to October, and changing the business structure to give separate focus to Australia and its so-called luxury and masstige range.
Carter had left his position as Bacardi Global Travel Retail Director in early 2012 to join Treasury, initially as managing director of the Europe, Middle East & Africa and global travel retail. But, on hearing of the firm's latest set of changes, Carter decided to leave the business.
Ex-Coca-Cola exec Robert Foye joins Treasury to lead Asia and EMEA regions
Foye has held several senior executive positions at the Coca-Cola Company over the last 22 years - most recently as vice president customer and commercial for its Asia-Pacific region - a business with over 30,000+ employees. He will take up his role on August 1 and will be based in TWE's Shanghai office, from where he will report directly to chief executive Michael Clarke.
Foye, who describes himself as a wine enthusiast, brings more than 24 years of beverages experience to TWE and has a track record of delivering strong and sustainable profit growth, says Treasury.
TWE chief executive Michael Clarke said: "I have had the privilege to work with Robert during my time at Coca-Cola, so have first-hand experience of his strategic and execution capabilities, customer relationship skills and capacity to deliver results across complex markets. He also knows how to work with teams and build people. I know he will add a huge amount to the executive leadership team at Treasury Wine Estates, and I look forward to working closely with Robert again as our business steps up its business and commercial activities in our vitally important Asian and EMEA markets".
Talking about the move, Foye said: "I simply can't wait to get started."
"I have enjoyed my career at Coca-Cola immensely. It has been an amazing place for me to work and learn. I felt that now was the perfect time for a fresh challenge. I am delighted by the prospect of working with the team at TWE and tremendously excited at being given the opportunity to grow the company's business in both Asia and EMEA."