Simon Friars

Simon Friars currently serves as the Head of Demand Planning APAC and Integrated Business Planning (IBP) Manager APAC at Simplot Australia Pty Ltd since April 2023. With a robust background in financial leadership, Simon held the position of Chief Financial Officer at HSK Ward Group from April 2020 to April 2023, overseeing end-to-end financial processes and governance. Prior to that, Simon's experience includes being the IBP Lead at McCain Foods, Supplier Collaboration Manager at Coles, and various strategic roles at Lion and Carlton & United Breweries. Simon's expertise encompasses demand planning, financial analysis, project management, and supply chain optimization, supported by a strong educational foundation in economics and commerce from Murdoch University and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand qualifications.