Plant-based food producer Fënn Foods has appointed highly regarded senior executive and entrepreneur, Tony Rowlinson, as Chief Executive Officer.
Rowlinson has extensive global experience in the FMCG space with a proven history in multinationals and high-growth start-ups.
He has held Senior Executive roles in Australia, the United Kingdom and South Africa, including the Coca-Cola Company, SCA / Carter Holt Harvey and Simplot where he was responsible for the management of multi-million dollar businesses, including overseeing operations, acquisitions and mergers.
At Simplot, which is one of the biggest consumer food businesses in Australia, he was responsible for the establishment of the Meals Centre of Excellence for both Chilled and Frozen Ready Meals for some of Australia’s most iconic brands such as Leggo’s, Edgell, Lean Cuisine, I&J, and Birdseye.
Executive Chairman for Fënn Foods, Nicholas Simms said that Rowlinson is a dynamic leader, who has earned an outstanding reputation for creating strong company cultures and building effective teams.
“Tony has a proven record in growing profitable businesses through sound direction, the implementation of ‘best in class’ manufacturing processes, marketing excellence and international expansion. We are delighted he has joined the Fënn Foods team, as we continue on our journey of rapid growth, driven by increased demand for our plant-based products.
“With extensive experience in the FMCG sector, Tony has contributed to the success of Ready Meals in the region and his expertise will drive our expansion into new categories in Australia and beyond.”
In February Fënn Foods announced it had successfully secured investment from leading fund manager Bombara Group who are known for partnering with high growth companies.
Rowlinson said he expects that plant-based foods will become a billion-dollar market in Australia in the near future.
“There are tremendous growth opportunities in delivering ongoing innovation and I am excited at the prospect of building on Fënn Foods culinary reputation in establishing the company as a leading player in this market.
“I look forward to continuing to deliver on the company’s promise of producing premium restaurant quality healthy plant-based foods that taste great and are good for you.”