Absolut appoints new operations manager

Absolut Vodka has appointed a new vice president of operations, Anna Schreil, who will take up the post from 1 July.

Anna Schreil will take up the post of vice president of operations at Absolut Vodka from 1 July

Schreil, currently director, product development & realization and R&D at Absolut, succeeds Krister Asplund who has held the position of vice president of operations since 1982.

Under Asplund, the number of employees in production has grown from just over 60 to 300, with volumes almost reaching 400,000 litres every day.

He will remain at the company, focusing on his job as master distiller for Absolut Elyx and also work on developing the local community.

“To leave my job, the best job in the world, was not an easy decision,” commented Asplung. “In Åhus, we have employees with a great sense of commitment and extensive knowledge.

“Over the years I have worked together with Anna, she has shown that she has the skills and the deep understanding for the employees, the community, our partners and the brand. I know that Anna is the right person to continue to lead the team.

Schreil has several years of experience in production and product development, including plant manager at GB Glace factory in Flen.

Furthermore, her past positions include production manager at Unilever and head of product development at Unilever and Atria.

“To take on the responsibility for Absolut Vodka is an honour,” said Schreil. “I have great respect for Krister’s work and it feels both rewarding and exciting to take over.

“Krister has managed to increase production without doing it at the expense of neither the employees nor the environment.

“These are responsibilities that are close to my heart and it is a job I want to continue.”

Commenting on her appointment, Paul Duffy, CEO of The Absolut Company, said Schreil’s progression was “good for the brand’s continued development”.

“Anna Schreil has an extensive knowledge when it comes to production, product development and supply chain management,” he said. “During her four years at The Absolut Company, she has successfully developed innovations and eco-design initiatives.

“The fact that Anna is stepping into this role is good for the brand’s continued development.

“We have found the best successor to Krister Asplund, who has been an outstanding leader for over thirty years.”