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Draft:John McLean (businessman)

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John McLean
OccupationCEO
EmployerBundaberg Brewed Drinks
SpouseRae-Lee Fleming
RelativesCliff Fleming (father-in-law)
Websitewww.bundaberg.com

John McLean is an Australian businessman, and the current CEO of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, a company renowned for its traditional brewed non-alcoholic beverages.

Since taking over as CEO in 2007[1], the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks business has experienced significant growth and expansion in both domestic and international markets.[2]

Personal Life

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John McLean was born on May 28, 1969, and grew up on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. He pursued tertiary education at Deakin University, studying a Bachelor of Education. During his education, McLean met his now wife, Rae-Lee Fleming, whose father-in-law Cliff is the founder of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks.

John McLean and Rae-Lee Fleming married in 1993 and have two daughters[1].

McLean currently resides in Bundaberg with his wife.

Career

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McLean spent many years working as a teacher before transitioning into the Fleming family business in the mid-1990s. Over the first 10 years of his tenure, McLean held various positions within the business.[3]

In 2007, he was appointed CEO, succeeding his father-in-law, Cliff Fleming[4]. Under McLean's leadership, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks has focused on expanding its position in the global marketplace and enhancing its brand visibility through strategic marketing initiatives. McLean has been instrumental in promoting sustainability practices within the company, ensuring that local sourcing and environmental responsibility remain key priorities.[2]

In 2010, McLean led the launch of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Café range, now known as the Sparkling range, which marked a new era for the business. The launch saw flavour varieties such as Pink Grapefruit, Blood Orange and Guava hit the market. In 2012, due to the success, the range was extended to include Passionfruit.[5]

As the business progressed under the leadership of McLean, product innovation remained at the forefront of operations. In 2014, more flavours were introduced to the market including Traditional Lemonade, Apple Cider and Pineapple and Coconut. A few years later, Tropical Mango was added to the range.[6]

McLean was instrumental in the development and release of the Bundaberg Mini Can range[7], which is comprised of the brands top selling flavours – Ginger Beer, Lemon Lime & Bitters, Pink Grapefruit, Passionfruit and Blood Orange.[8][9]

In 2023, under the leadership of McLean, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks unveiled its state-of-the-art Master Brewery. Remaining in Bundaberg, the purpose-built facility allowed for increased production levels and ensures the global business is equipped for future expansion needs.[10][11]

As of 2024, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks is available in 60+ countries worldwide[12] which continues the mantra of 'treating the world to Bundaberg.'

Honours

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During his tenure, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks has received numerous accolades, including:

  • 2022 - Australia's #1 Soft Drink in the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customer Awards
  • 2022 - Queensland Exporter of the Year at the Premier of Queensland's Export Awards[13]
  • 2023 - Launch of the state-of-the-art Master Brewery in Bundaberg[10][14]

References

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  1. ^ a b Kitney, Damon (February 9, 2024). "Tough times paying off for owners of Bundaberg Ginger Beer".
  2. ^ a b Magazine, Chilled (2017-10-05). "Meet John McLean - Bundaberg Brewed Drinks CEO". Chilled Magazine. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  3. ^ Turnbull, Emma (2019-12-21). "Bundaberg Brewed Drinks a family passion". Bundaberg Now delivers free good news. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  4. ^ Kitney, Damon (February 9, 2024). "Tough times paying off for owners of Bundaberg Ginger Beer".
  5. ^ "Our History". Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  6. ^ "Our History". Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  7. ^ Turnbull, Emma (2020-06-06). "Bundaberg Brewed Drinks expands canning line". Bundaberg Now delivers free good news. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  8. ^ "Bundaberg expands slimline can range - PKN Packaging News". www.packagingnews.com.au. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  9. ^ Contributed (2021-09-06). "Bundaberg Brewed Drinks launches mini can range". Bundaberg Now delivers free good news. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  10. ^ a b Contributed (2023-11-01). "Cheers to Bundaberg's new super brewery". Bundaberg Now delivers free good news. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  11. ^ "$120m master brewery unveiled in Bundaberg". Business News Australia. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  12. ^ Pierce, Jeremy (July 6, 2024). "'We bought 10 cases to take to Rock': Amazing familystory behind Qld brand Bundaberg".
  13. ^ "Bundaberg Brewed Drinks is Queensland's Exporter of the Year". Ministerial Media Statements. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  14. ^ "Bundaberg Brewed Drinks opens $152m 'super brewery' - Food & Drink Business". www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au. Retrieved 2024-11-12.