Former Premier Foods boss to lead Australian wine firm
Clarke, who quit as ceo of Premier Foods in January 2013 after only 18 months, will start his new role with the Australian firm on March 31 2014.
He will replace interim chief executive Warwick Every-Burns.
He will bring over 20 years’ leadership experience to the role, gained at The Coca-Cola Company and Kraft Foods.
During a 12-year career at The Coca-Cola Company, Clarke held a number of senior executive roles, including running the Northwest Europe & Nordics business unit. He also led Coca-Cola’s South Pacific & Korea business unit for five years, during which time he was based in Sydney.
‘Opportunities are immense’
Clarke said: “I’m incredibly excited to have been given the opportunity to return to Australia and lead Treasury Wine Estates and its portfolio of truly iconic wine brands. I recognise that TWE, like most companies, has its challenges but I believe the opportunities are immense, and I look forward to working with my colleagues across the business to ensure that these are fully realised.”
TWE chairman, Paul Rayner, said Clarke was the ideal person to lead the business.
“Clarke’s work on some of the world’s leading brands is second to none, and he has previously lived and worked in Australia, America, Asia and Europe; all key regions where TWE operates,” he said. “In addition, he has extensive agri-business and consumer drinks experience. In short, he has proven leadership ability and a track record of consistently driving improved business results.”
