Frucor Beverages has announced the appointment of Kevin Bowler as CEO New Zealand. He begins his new role in early November. The company currently employs 700 people throughout New Zealand and nearly 1000 across Oceania. Since 2009 Frucor has been wholly owned by leading Japanese beverage and food company Suntory Group.
Bowler joins Frucor with very broad and senior business leadership experience from a diverse range of industries including consumer packaged goods, telecommunications, and media brands, in both New Zealand and internationally.
Most recently Bowler was Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand, which he joined in 2010 and has led to great success, increasing staff engagement and visitor numbers and spend for New Zealand. Prior to this Bowler was CEO of Yahoo! And before that General Manager Consumer Marketing for Telecom.
Frucor Group CEO Jonathan Moss said he was delighted to have Kevin join the business. “We were looking for someone with demonstrable leadership skills and a visionary style to lead our New Zealand business through an exciting period as we look to drive change in the beverages industry into the future. Kevin fits the bill perfectly and I’m looking forward to having him on board,” he said.
Bowler said he was particularly attracted to Frucor because of its strong focus on providing positive choice for consumers. “I’m looking forward to joining a business with such iconic brands as V, Fresh Up, Just Juice, Pepsi and Gatorade. I’m excited about being a part of a business focused on leading positive change in the beverages industry, helping consumers to make better choices about the beverages they choose.’”
