TricorBraun Taps Louise Baker to Lead Aggressive ANZ Expansion

ST. LOUIS, MO – March 03, 2026 – Global packaging giant TricorBraun has appointed seasoned industry executive Louise Baker as the new Managing Director for its Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) operations, a move signaling a pivotal new phase in the company’s ambitious regional strategy. Effective March 9, 2026, Baker will take the helm of a rapidly expanding enterprise tasked with consolidating recent acquisitions and capturing a larger share of the lucrative ANZ packaging market.

Baker’s appointment is the capstone on a multi-year investment and acquisition campaign that has fundamentally reshaped TricorBraun’s presence in the region. She will be responsible for setting the strategic direction and overseeing the full scope of operations—including commercial sales, manufacturing, supply chain, and finance—across Australia and New Zealand.

A Strategic Play for Regional Dominance

TricorBraun's selection of Baker is not a routine leadership change but a calculated step to unify and energize its growing ANZ portfolio. Since entering the market in 2021, the company has pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, reflecting the investment thesis of its private equity backers, including AEA Investors, Ares Management, and the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan. This strategy has consistently favored M&A to build scale and penetrate new geographies and end markets.

The expansion began with the acquisition of Australian closures specialist Cormack Packaging in September 2021. This was swiftly followed by the purchase of PB Packaging in 2022 and Plas-Pak WA in early 2024. Most recently, in May 2024, TricorBraun executed a double acquisition of UniquePak, a spirits packaging distributor, and Alplas Products, an industrial packaging supplier. These moves have not only expanded the company's physical footprint but have also significantly broadened its capabilities, giving it a strong foothold in diverse segments from foodservice and industrial to the premium spirits market.

This rapid inorganic growth creates the complex challenge of integrating disparate companies, cultures, and systems into a cohesive and efficient operational unit. Baker’s role will be central to this consolidation, transforming a collection of acquired assets into a single, formidable market force under the TricorBraun ANZ banner.

A Seasoned Leader for a Complex Market

With over 25 years of high-level experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and packaging sectors, Louise Baker brings a formidable resume to her new role. Her deep understanding of the customer side of the packaging equation, honed through senior leadership roles at global brands, makes her uniquely qualified to lead TricorBraun's next chapter.

"We are pleased to welcome Louise Baker as Managing Director," said Scott Jamroz, Chief Financial Officer at TricorBraun. "Louise is a seasoned executive in the consumer goods and packaging industries, with a proven track record of leading complex transformations, driving commercial growth, and building high-performing teams. She will be pivotal in guiding the company's next phase of growth."

Baker joins TricorBraun from Huhtamaki, where she served as General Manager for Foodservice Packaging in Oceania. Her career is distinguished by a series of high-impact positions, including Senior Sales Director at PepsiCo ANZ, Sales Director at Frucor Suntory Australia, and leadership roles with Procter & Gamble UK and Goodman Fielder Australia. This extensive background with major brand owners provides her with invaluable insight into the pressures, demands, and innovation cycles of the very customers TricorBraun serves.

Furthermore, Baker’s entrepreneurial experience as the founder of Capability Centre Pty Ltd., a leadership and sales development consultancy, underscores her expertise in building and cultivating high-performing teams—a critical skill for integrating and motivating the staff across TricorBraun's newly acquired entities.

Navigating Sustainability and Growth in a Dynamic Market

Baker takes command at a time of significant opportunity and challenge within the ANZ packaging industry. The Australian packaging market alone, valued at USD 12.82 billion in 2023, is projected to surge to USD 22.75 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by a burgeoning e-commerce sector and strong demand from the food and beverage industry.

However, the primary force shaping the industry is sustainability. Australia's ambitious 2025 National Packaging Targets—aiming for 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging—have placed immense pressure on manufacturers and their clients. While progress has been made, significant hurdles remain, particularly in recycling infrastructure and the use of recycled content for plastics. As a member of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) with a 'Leading' performance status, TricorBraun ANZ is already engaged in this effort, and Baker's leadership will be crucial in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape and meeting customer demand for greener solutions.

She will steer the company amidst fierce competition from established regional players like Amcor, Visy, and Pact Group. Success will depend on leveraging TricorBraun's global scale while delivering localized, innovative solutions that address cost pressures, supply chain complexities, and the urgent need for a circular economy.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Baker acknowledged the company's strong foundation and her vision for the future. "It is an honour to lead TricorBraun ANZ into its next chapter," she stated. "I have long admired the company's reputation as a trusted partner... I look forward to building on the company's strong operational performance to continue delivering exceptional service to customers across the region, while driving sustainable growth and long-term impact."

With her deep FMCG and packaging expertise, Baker is poised to steer TricorBraun ANZ through this complex environment, balancing the drive for commercial growth with the imperative of sustainable innovation.