National Foods boss to step aside as they embark on new chapter
National Foods has announced that CEO and Managing Director, Ashley Waugh, will resign in the wake of the confirmation of Kirin’s successful bid for Lion Nathan.
Kirin, which owns National Foods, has reported that their Australian operations will be merged together under the name of Lion Nathan National Foods Pty Ltd with current Lion boss Rob Murray chosen to lead the combined entity.
Mr Waugh has been with National Foods since January 2002, joining when National Foods acquired the King Island Company. He took the role of CEO & Managing Director in 2005 and oversaw National Foods’ acquisition and integration of Lactos Cheese in 2006, Hillwood Cheese in 2008 and Dairy Farmers in 2008.
Mr Waugh will step aside at the end of October, believing it a suitable time to leave the juice and dairy firm.
“My career with National Foods has been exciting, challenging and rewarding and I reflect on many personal highlights such as the successful acquisitions including the major integration with Dairy Farmers,” Mr Waugh said. “National Foods has gone from $1.2 billion in turnover to $3.5 billion in four years.”
“The time is right for new leadership, new thinking and the next chapter.”
Mr Waugh’s successor will be announced in coming weeks.
