Iconic Australian dairy brand Bulla Dairy Foods (Bulla) has announced the appointment of Allan Hood to the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Mr Hood previously worked for global beverage manufacturer Diageo PLC, where his most recent role was the Global Audit and Risk Director for Global Supply and Procurement. During his tenure with Diageo, Mr Hood held several Finance Director positions for Diageo’s markets, including its recent acquisition in Tanzania, and roles in Jamaica, the Middle East and India.

Also having held the role of Group Financial Planning and Reporting Director for Diageo, Bulla said Mr Hood brings with him “the financial acumen, credentials and experience to help Bulla successfully navigate the current challenges facing Australia’s fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry”. Bulla said Mr Hood will play an “important role in building the Company’s existing financial systems, processes and people capability”.

“Bulla has grown significantly over the past few years and we will continue to grow our business organically and via strategic acquisitions,” said Reg Weine, Bulla CEO. “To have an executive with Allan’s experience is an important part of delivering our growth strategy,” he said.

“We searched internationally to find an executive of the highest calibre, and we are confident that Allan will make a significant contribution to the Bulla business,” Mr Weine said.

Bulla said that with his business mantra to “drive transformation and raise the bar”, Mr Hood has a track record of delivering multiple growth platforms for companies within the Diageo business, incorporating his knowledge of finance, risk and audit, business performance and growth, stewardship and compliance. Bulla said Mr Hood is also highly regarded for his “inspirational leadership and for his focus on developing talent”.

“My entire career has been spent within a large global matrixed organisation and I therefore understand how to operate effectively in a large business,” Mr Hood said. “However, where I will be of most benefit for the Bulla business is by bringing this big business experience and combining it with the experience I have gained through positions held in the more complex and challenging medium-sized operations and acquisitions,” he said.

Mr Hood started in his role as Bulla CFO in early November 2013.

Bulla is Australia’s largest privately owned dairy company, and has been operated by the same three families for more than 100 years. It has two Melbourne-based sites, Mulgrave and Derrimut, and three regional sites in Colac. Australian Food News reported in July 2013 that Bulla had also acquired the Rowena Foods ‘Choc Top’ ice cream business in Dandenong South.

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