Chobani Australia bolsters leadership for strategic market growth

AUSTRALIA – Chobani, renowned for its Greek-style yogurt, has appointed Ishani Samarasekera as Director of Finance & IT and Sami Cannone as General Manager of Sales.

According to the company, Ishani brings sharp commercial acumen, a love of transformation, and a deeply human approach to leadership. 

Before joining Chobani, she was at General Mills, where she led finance across Europe and Australia, covering six countries and five manufacturing sites.

Over the past decade, she has held senior roles across Melbourne and Switzerland, spanning Strategy, FP&A, Operations, and Governance. 

“I’m thrilled to be joining a team that pairs bold ambition with a real sense of purpose. At Chobani, we’re not just growing – we’re building a business that’s smarter, more connected, and fit for the future. I look forward to unlocking value across the organisation by bringing together great people, strong systems, and bold ideas,” said Samarasekera.

Sami Cannone stepped into the role of General Manager – Sales, bringing nearly 20 years of experience across sales, account management, and commercial strategy.

Her career includes leadership roles with Mars Petcare, Sun Road Food & Beverage, Frucor Beverages and Coca-Cola Amatil, spanning field, grocery and emerging channels.

“I’m excited to be joining a team that’s redefining what good growth looks like. Chobani’s mission to bring better food to more people deeply resonates with me, and I’m energised by the opportunity to work with our customers to deliver shared success,” said Cannone.

Chobani Australia appoints Scott Hadley as Managing Director

In 2024, the company appointed Scott Hadley as Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand.

Bringing over 25 years of experience in building premium brands and driving success in dynamic business environments, Hadley’s appointment underscores Chobani’s commitment to furthering its presence in the Australian market.

“Chobani Australia holds a special place in my heart. Since we entered the market in 2011, the team has achieved remarkable success by delivering delicious, natural, and nutritious food to Australians,” Chobani Founder and CEO, Hamdi Ulukaya, stated.

“Scott’s proven track record and inspirational leadership make him the perfect choice to lead our team into the next phase of our journey.”

Hadley, in response, expressed his admiration for Chobani’s innovative products and passionate team, highlighting his eagerness to build upon the existing foundation and drive the business forward.

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