Australia: The Board of Foster’s Group Limited (Foster’s) announced on March 3 the appointment of Mr Trevor O’Hoy as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Foster’s, replacing Mr Ted Kunkel who will step down from the position on 5 April, 2004.

Mr O’Hoy is currently Managing Director of Carlton and United Breweries and brings to the role more than 28 years operational and management experience at Foster’s.

Since being appointed as Managing Director of CUB in November, 2002, Mr O’Hoy has overseen a significant improvement in performance, delivering impressive earnings growth, strengthened cash flows and strong margins. Prior to this, Mr O’Hoy was Foster’s Chief Financial Officer and was responsible for the group’s global financial affairs. In this role, Mr O’Hoy also oversaw development and execution of Foster’s corporate strategy, including the group’s move into global wine with the purchase of Beringer Wine Estates in 2000.

According to Foster’s Chairman, Mr Frank Swan, Mr O’Hoy is exceptionally well qualified for the CEO position and has the ability and experience to lead Foster’s into its next phase of development.

“The Board is delighted, on behalf of shareholders, to have appointed such a high calibre executive to lead the company,” Mr Swan said.

“Trevor has shown in each of the areas of the business in which he has been involved, strong leadership and a determination to increase value for shareholders.”

“He understands extremely well the value of brands, the need to satisfy customer and consumers expectations, the importance of optimising the supply chain and the role people play in achieving first class business performance.”

“Throughout his career at Foster’s, Trevor has demonstrated excellent strategic skills and the ability to bring fresh, new insight to each position he has undertaken making him the ideal candidate to lead Foster’s next generation of management,” Mr Swan said.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr O’Hoy said, “It is a enormous honour to be appointed as Foster’s CEO. I am looking forward to building on the strategic global premium branded beverages platform that is already in place and to maximising business performance in order to deliver better returns for shareholders,” he said.

“Foster’s Group is a strong company. Its robust balance sheet position, cash flow generative characteristics and its enviable portfolio of premium brands position the company well for future growth,” Mr O’Hoy said.

As a result of Mr O’Hoy’s appointment as President and CEO, he will also become an executive Director of the Foster’s Board on 5 April, 2004.

Mr Kunkel will remain at Foster’s until 30 June, 2004 to enable a smooth transition.

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