Sanitarium Health Food Company, the manufacturer of Australia and New Zealand’s top-selling breakfast cereal, has announced the appointment of Kevin Jackson, 32, as the company’s new chief executive officer.  Sanitarium, which pioneered the health food industry in Australia and which today holds substantial market share in the sale of sandwich spreads, soy products, cereal, and meat substitutes, is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.  Jackson was appointed November 3 at a business meeting of the Adventist Church in the South Pacific region.

“I don’t believe age is a significant issue,” says Jackson about his history-making appointment as the youngest-ever executive to lead the 102 year-old company.  “It’s more about whether or not the individual has the ability to bring a group of people together and lead them as a team to achieve the desired outcomes for the company.”  Jackson also points out that there is a “highly experienced and committed” leadership team already in place at Sanitarium.

Jackson has worked at Sanitarium since 1996, first as finance manager and most recently as general manager for the beverages and meals business unit.  He will take up his new role in mid-December 2000 after the retirement of Robert Smith,  the current chief executive officer.

With an annual turnover of $289 million, Sanitarium employs 1,400 people and exports its products to 30 countries around the world. 

Related Web site: www.sanitarium.com.au