George Weston Foods (GWF), one of the largest food manufacturers in Australia and New Zealand, has announced the appointment of Lorna Raine as Chief Financial Officer.

 With extensive experience in senior executive finance and leadership roles for multinational consumer, media and quick service businesses, Ms Raine is now charged with leading George Weston Foods’ financial strategy and managing performance measures.

 As part of her role, Ms Raine will preside over the four GWF business units – Tip Top Bakeries, Don, Mauri ANZ and Jasol. Through its iconic brands such as Tip Top, Burgen and Abbott’s Village Bakery, GWF produces around a million units of baked products every day. Over the last four years the company has strengthened its business by improving operations, driving innovation as well as attracting and developing top talent, to create opportunities to grow and add value to the wider group of GWF companies.

 Ms Raine was most recently a senior finance executive at Fairfax Media, and prior to this held senior management roles with Yum! Restaurants International including General Manager Operations – KFC. Before relocating to Australia, Ms Raine was Chief Financial Officer for McDonald’s South Africa where she was instrumental in the creation and execution of the organisation’s strategic plan through a period of rapid expansion. Lorna Raine is also currently a Non-Executive Director on the board of Dick Smith.

 “I’m delighted to formally join the George Weston Foods team as Chief Financial Officer. GWF is an impressive organisation and a strong constituent of Associated British Foods (ABF) – a hugely successful international food, ingredients and retail group in 46 countries. The local subsidiary is lead by very talented individuals doing great things in their respective categories and I look forward to assisting them on their journeys,” Ms Raine said.

 Commenting on the appointment, GWF Chief Executive Andrew Reeves said “Lorna’s impressive track record in senior executive finance roles makes her an ideal leader to contribute to the growth and next iteration of GWF. In addition, her long history and passion for consumer and quick service businesses, both in Australia and overseas, further emphasises that Lorna is a great fit for us.”

Source: George Weston Foods media release.