By James Wells

SYDNEY: After launching Sunbeam’s new range of barbecues last month, Rachel Wilson has announced she will be leaving the largest small appliance brand in Australia to join Westfield Corporation.

Wilson, who was employed by Sunbeam in the role of business development consultant to work on the launch of the brand’s Innovo barbecues as well as identifying new growth opportunities, will leave the company on Friday 8 September to “take up a leadership role within Westfield Corporation’s marketing team”.

Although Sunbeam officially announced Wilson’s appointment to the industry in late June, the consultant joined the company late last year during the initial stages of the Innovo project – Sunbeam’s first gas barbecue products – which were completed in less than a year.

The two Innovo Australian-designed and Chinese-made gas barbecues have been developed in conjunction with celebrity chef, Geoff Jansz, and will compete in the mid-range of the $210 million barbecue market alongside brands such as Everdure and the house brands from retailers including Kmart and Barbecues Galore.

More recently, Wilson was identified as the manager of Sunbeam’s new category manager for heating and barbecues, Adam Tacey, who begins working with the company in September.

Sunbeam chief executive officer, Jonathan Lord issued a statement this afternoon which says he was very impressed with Wilson’s marketing skills and professionalism.

“Rachel has made a great contribution to our business over the last 10 months and we wish her every success in her new role,” Lord said.

Sunbeam has not announced the appointment of a new contractor to assume Wilson’s role.