Asahi Beverages has announced the appointment of Danny Celoni as the new CEO of Carlton & United Breweries.
Celoni’s beverages career started with Diageo in 1996 where over a 17-year career he rose to become Commercial Director for Australia, NZ and South Pacific. In his time with Diageo, Celoni also held senior executive roles in Singapore, Korea and Thailand. Celoni joins CUB from PepsiCo, where he is CEO of its Australia, NZ and South Pacific business.
Robert Iervasi, Group CEO, Asahi Beverages Oceania, said: “Danny has built a formidable reputation across the beverages industry in Australia and Asia over 25 years. Danny’s proven ability to successfully run large and complex businesses, across alcohol and non-alcohol, was critical in our decision to recruit him to become our new CEO of CUB.
“We’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Danny over his time with PepsiCo, one of Asahi Beverages’ key strategic partners. We’ve observed first-hand his ability to understand and deliver great results for his customers, and build exceptional teams.”
He added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Danny to CUB and Asahi Beverages in early February 2022.
“CUB is a great business, with an unbelievable portfolio, and we couldn’t be more pleased that Danny will be running it. With Danny’s forward-thinking approach to business, he’s going to make a very significant contribution to building our teams, delivering on our strategies for growth, and forging great relationships with our customers and partners.”
Celoni said it was an honour to be given the opportunity to lead CUB and join Asahi Beverages.
“With its unrivalled beverage portfolio and commitment to innovation, I’m excited by the strategic direction and growth opportunities for the business,” he said.
“I’m particularly looking forward to working with CUB’s customers and partners as we seek to navigate the evolving COVID-normal environment and the other challenges that lie ahead.
“PepsiCo is a fantastic business, and I have enjoyed every minute. It has been a privilege to lead the talented ANZ team, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. I know they will continue to take the business from strength to strength.”
Celoni will also join the Asahi Beverages Oceania Executive Leadership Team, reporting to Iervasi, and Peter Filipovic will continue as CEO until Celoni commences in February.
Wern-Yuen Tan, CEO PepsiCo APAC, wishes Celoni all the best at CUB and said that his successor at PepsiCo will be announced in due course.
“Danny has led significant growth for the Australian and New Zealand business, and we will miss his energy and passion. We wish him all the best in his new role.”