GROCERY company Foodland Associated has strengthened its management team with the recruitment of a new finance chief.
James Brown, formerly chief financial officer at GM Commercial, has become Foodland’s new general manager finance.
The incumbent, Chris Bennett, is moving to a new role as general manager corporate affairs and company secretary.
In his new role, Mr Bennett will focus on investor and shareholder relations, merger and acquisition activity, corporate governance and group legal matters.
“Chris will also remain the nominated ASX contact whilst in addition improving the external image of the group through enhanced focus on public relations, environmental and social accountability,” said group managing director Trevor Coates.
Mr Bennett has been closely involved in Foodland’s M&A activity over the past two years, including its Woolworths acquisition in New Zealand.
The next big move could be the sale of its Farmers department store chain in NZ, which is currently under review.
Mr Brown will have a three-month induction and handover period before assuming responsibility for all group finance matters on August 4, coinciding with the start of Foodland’s new financial year.