Willach Australia has appointed Meg Brideson (nee Hurley) as Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, effective April 1.
The current Willach Australia Managing Director John Koot will step down from the role on March 31, handing the day-to-day responsibility for the Australasian business to Mrs Brideson at that time.
Mr Koot will remain as a Non-Executive Director of Willach Australia and will continue to consult across the industry.
Willach Australia Chair Dr Jens Willach thanked Mr Koot for his significant contribution to the business over the past seven years and welcomed Mrs Brideson to the global management team.
“Meg shares John’s passion for Australian pharmacy and bringing pharmacists and patients closer together,” he said.
“Along with that passion, she possesses extensive sales and marketing experience, which will benefit both our Australian team and our customers as we move into the next growth phase for the business.”
Mrs Brideson’s professional career has included senior sales and marketing positions with Chemmart, Symbion and Ansvar Insurance.
“My first job in the industry was as a pharmacy assistant when I was just 14 years old and it’s safe to say there’s been a significant amount of change in that time,” she said.
“In particular, over the last decade, pharmacies have realised that they must fundamentally change the way they approach health consumers, who have greater expectations of their in-store experience.
“From my initial discussions with Willach, we share the same vision of working closely with pharmacists to make real improvements to their business that, importantly, are focused on changes that will deliver tangible increases to profitability.
“There is also fantastic growth potential within Willach, which is underlined by the company’s recent venture in DAAs with the launch of its new medication sachet packaging and inspection systems.
“This is a natural succession plan for the business and Meg is the ideal candidate to guide Willach on the next stage of its development,” Mr Koot said.
“Having worked with Meg on and off for more than 15 years, I have full confidence that she has the expertise to build on Willach’s strong reputation and offering in Australasia.”
Willach provides comprehensive pharmacy design and workflow solutions through its two business divisions, Willach Pharmacy Solutions and Pharmacium.
