PepsiCo NZ has announced the appointment of Lee Kent as General Manager, New Zealand Foods, to oversee the Bluebird Foods business from the 1st of August.
In his new position, Kent will lead a cross-functional team and oversee the full operations, management and strategy of Bluebird Foods across the New Zealand market.
Kent has joined the PepsiCo NZ team after over 11 years at PepsiCo in the UK, where he held various senior commercial roles across organised trade, traditional trade, e-commerce and value retail.
Most recently, he served as Senior Sales Director for PepsiCo’s Tesco business, cultivating a world-class E2E relationship that has delivered mutually beneficial results. He has also been a key member of the UK Sales Leadership Team, serving as Commercial Lead for UK snacks, and collaborating with senior stakeholders across Marketing, Supply, and Finance.
Alexia Horley, PepsiCo ANZ Foods CEO, said that with over a decade of market experience, end-to-end thinking and willingness to immerse himself into every challenge, Kent will be able to accomplish great success within the unique New Zealand market.
“Our team are very pleased to welcome Lee’s curiosity, ambition and enthusiasm into our New Zealand business, and look forward to seeing him champion this vital market,:" said Horley.
"Alongside his bold strategy, his expertise in fostering, managing and executing business relations will prove a valuable point of difference when building successful leadership.”
Kent's purpose-led leadership style drove him to create Ignite, PepsiCo’s first employee resource group focused on social mobility and employee inclusion, demonstrating his natural ability to lead and passion for celebrating individuality within the workplace.
“I’m incredibly honoured and excited to have the opportunity to continue working with PepsiCo, on the other side of the world.," said Kent.
"In collaboration with the talented team in New Zealand, I can’t wait to dive into this new market and maximise potential within the team to reach new heights within our iconic brand.”
Kent looked forward to the opportunity to drive growth and success across the New Zealand business. He has taken over the role from Michelle Cassettari, who has stepped into her new role as Integration Director for the recently acquired Obela business.
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