Carlton & United Breweries CEO Danny Celoni has resigned following controversy over Great Northern Beer's latest campaign.
‘Outdoors for a Cause’, which has now been abandoned, aimed to raise funds to buy and protect land for national parks.
The brewer pledged to match donations up to $200,000 when customers donated to non-profit organisation Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.
Some consumers vowed to boycott Great Northern Brewing, saying the brand had “gone woke”.
Parent company Asahi Lifestyle Beverages, said Celoni “decided to leave the business” but it is unclear why.
An Asahi spokesperson said Celoni decided to leave the business late last year, following the decision to reorganise Asahi’s Australian and NZ business.
“This was well before the Outdoors for a Cause national parks donation campaign which we terminated last week,” the spokesperson said.
“Danny is not leaving because of Great Northern’s abandoned Outdoors for a Cause campaign.”
Asahi CEO Amanda Sellers said Celoni is an "incredibly respected CEO and industry leader" and his decision to depart is a "great disappointment".
“He will leave the business at the end of June, but until then he will continue to play an important role in ensuring the transition process runs smoothly.”
Sellers said Celoni has played an important role over the past few months in the discussions that have led to an “executive reorganisation”.
Nigel Parsons has been appointed as Asahi Beverages’ chief commercial officer from April 1.
He will be responsible for the Group’s commercial and sales functions across Australia and New Zealand, covering alcohol and non-alcohol.
Andrew Campbell, CEO of Asahi Beverages NZ, will continue to lead the New Zealand business in the new position of NZ country manager.
Brian Phan's expanded remit as chief growth officer will include the group’s marketing, innovation and portfolio management in Australia, covering both alcohol and non-alcohol.
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