SABECO General Director Lester Tan Teck Chuan. (Photo: Sabeco) In his new role, Lester Tan assumes responsibility for shapingSABECO's overall business and sustainable growth strategies while reinforcingits core strengths.
Lester Tan, a Singaporean national, brings to SABECO a wealth ofexperience, boasting over 28 years of expertise in the beer, spirits, andbeverage industry across various Asian markets, including Thailand, Myanmar,Mongolia, and Singapore. Throughout his career, Lester Tan has consistentlycatalysed positive changes and fueled business growth within the organisationshe has led.
The announcement of this leadership transition has been met withenthusiasm from SABECO's Board of Directors. In their statement, theyexpressed: “Over the past five years, SABECO has made significant stridesin enhancing its business capabilities, streamlining processes, and executingtransformative initiatives. To continue this remarkable transformation journey,the company requires fresh ideas, innovative perspectives, and renewed vigor.We believe the new leadership will spearhead transformative business strategiesand guide this centuries-old company to greater heights.” The Board has fullconfidence in Lester Tan's extensive experience and outstanding leadershipqualities, foreseeing his success in steering SABECO to new horizons.
In 2018, SABECO embarked on a transformation journey, guided byseven strategic pillars, with the aim of becoming a globally competitivecompany. The year 2021 marked the culmination of the first phase of SABECO'stransformation, punctuated by significant milestones. This achievement has setthe stage for the company's second transformation phase, characterised by sixkey pillars including sales, brand/marketing, production, supply chain, people,and unlock – all supported by the SABECO 4.0 project and other governanceinitiatives.
SABECO's commitment to growth and sustainable development has beenevident over the years, as it adapted to changing consumer preferences by re-launchingits iconic Bia Saigon range in 2019, and introducing new product lines such asBia Saigon Gold, Bia Saigon Chill, Bia Lac Viet and limited edition beersto promote the craftsmanship of its local brewmasters and enhance consumers’drinking experience.
In the period spanning 2022 to 2023, SABECO expanded the capacityof the Bia Sai Gon Quang Ngai Brewery to 250 million liters per year, undertooka rooftop solar power installation project across 17 breweries, and initiatedan extensive warehouse and logistics project with a 31,000sq. M area andstorage capacity for 30,000 pallets. These efforts are designed to optimisestorage, preserve goods, and ensure timely supply to meet market demands.
While 2023 has been challenging for the entire industry, SABECO'sfinancial performance in 2022 is a testament to its strong foundations, havingrecorded 34.9 trillion VND in net revenue and 5.5 trillion VND in profit aftertax, marking a remarkable increase of 32% and 40% compared to 2021, respectively.These figures represent the highest profit after tax in the company's history.Additionally, as of August 2023, Bia Saigon retains its market-leading positionin terms of product consumption, as confirmed by research conducted byNielsenIQ Vietnam.
As the newly appointed General Director, Lester Tan will spearheadthe second phase of SABECO's transformation, focusing on sustainable growth andfurther cementing its position both domestically and internationally, aligningwith the group's vision for 2025 to strengthen its leadership in the SoutheastAsia region.
In Lester Tan's own words: "Having had the opportunity toengage with SABECO's team, customers, and consumers, I am excited about theopportunities ahead of us. I am honoured to collaborate with SABECO's leadersand colleagues to drive sustainable growth for the company, deliver enhancedvalue to our shareholders, and continue creating a positive socio-economicimpact in the communities where we operate, and for Vietnam."
Before assuming his role at SABECO, he served as the Chief of Beerat ThaiBev PLC, overseeing Thailand's beer market from 2020 to 2023. He alsoheld CEO positions in beer and beverage businesses in Mongolia, Myanmar, andThailand./.
VNA
