Chris Litchfield is the new Managing Director of Coca-Cola Amatil New Zealand and Fiji. The appointment is testament to Litchfield’s ability to lead high performing teams and his tenure at the company of more than two decades. He was in the role of acting Managing Director recently and prior to that he was General Manager of Sales for seven years.
The announcement follows a Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) Group level review and the development of a strategic plan to build sustainable growth for the business. CCA Group Managing Director, Alison Watkins, says “I am delighted to confirm Chris’s appointment. The New Zealand operation is very important to CCA and I am confident that Chris’s considerable knowledge, expertise and passion are an ideal mix to continue to lead our business forward.”
Litchfield is proud to be a Kiwi at the helm of a loyal and committed 1000 strong workforce throughout the country. He has a thorough knowledge of the New Zealand business having forged his FMCG career through a variety of roles within the company. He began stacking shelves as a merchandiser in the grocery trade in 1992, whilst completing his BComm in Accounting and Economics, before rising throughout the sales channel.
Litchfield has championed key business initiatives at CCANZ, like the company’s commitment to a ‘Zero Harm’ safety culture, the transition to SAP and the implementation of an Ipad sales team solution called ‘SAM’. He has driven a culture of beverage product innovation and world class market presence for the Coca-Cola brand in New Zealand.
Litchfield says, “Whilst I am humbled by the opportunity that this role presents, I am also excited to have one of the best teams I have had the pleasure of working with supporting me. The New Zealand organization is in good shape with a solid strategy and a renewed sense of purpose and passion for the future.”
