Metcash has announced the appointment of Kylie Wallbridge as the new CEO Liquor following the retirement of Chris Baddock.
Baddock retired as CEO of the Metcash Liquor pillar in October 2023 due to health reasons. Wallbridge will take over from Acting Liquor CEO John Barakat in March 2024.
Wallbridge has more than 25 years of commercial, brand and marketing experience and is currently Managing Director at Diageo in the United Kingdom where she was responsible for the global Rare spirits, Private Client, Wine and Scottish tourism and retail businesses. She also previously held the position of Managing Director of Diageo in Japan.
In addition to Diageo, Wallbridge has worked for multinational liquor organisations and brands including Heineken for 13 years and Lion for seven years, in several senior roles across Africa, Asia and Australia.
Metcash CEO Doug Jones said: “Kylie is a proven business leader with a track record for delivering results. Her alignment to our purpose of Championing Successful Independents and her passion for people is evident through her strong relationships with both retailers and suppliers. I have no doubt Kylie will be a great asset to the Liquor pillar and Metcash more broadly. We warmly welcome her to Metcash. I would also like to sincerely thank John for acting in the role following the retirement of Chris last October.”
Baddock added: “Kylie and I worked together at Lion, and she brings to the role extensive local and global experience in the liquor industry. Kylie is passionate to continue championing successful independents and leading the business with partners at the heart of all decisions.
“I am humbled to have been asked by Metcash to assist with the handover and to continue in an advisory role for a period of time, to ensure the smooth transition of leadership. I want to thank John Barakat for stepping into the Intrium CEO role and the ALM Leadership team for continuing to lead the business with passion for independents, supplier partners, our people, and our community.”
Categories: Business
