Anthony Mills

What was your first-ever job? Working in my parents’ sports retail store during the holidays. It was our family business, based in Auckland, and helping to run the stores was a great experience. My first job after university was a graduate role for Heinz.

What’s been your worst job interview? For a job I didn’t really want!

What was the first music single you bought? ‘Stairway to Heaven’ by Led Zeppelin.

How do you describe your job to your mates? Marketing one of the world’s biggest cider brands to a new market that is (for now) unfamiliar with the product.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing Savanna grow and develop as a brand. Every success is the result of hard work, which creates momentum. Products like Savanna are vital to the continuing growth of the cider category.

What is the least rewarding part? The cider category is a very crowded marketplace, which makes it difficult for brands to stand out. Often hard work is met with small gains. However, Savanna has been able to generate a surge in brand awareness in 2013.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? Frequent trips to South Africa, via New Zealand!

What’s your favourite movie? Gladiator, and not just because Russell Crowe is a fellow Kiwi.

What’s been the most embarrassing moment in your life? I’m a pretty good golfer with a low handicap. I was invited to a competition and expected to be ‘the man’ on the day. However, it didn’t quite work out like that and I ended up having a shocker!

Do you have any phobias? I’m not fond of snakes.

Which celebrity would you pick to join your staff? As a big golf fan it would have to be Tiger Woods.

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? To place more focus on value-added brands and building brand health rather than a short-term focus on price.

What luxury would you have on your desert island? Good food (and lots of it!).

What animal best reflects your personality and why? Lion, as Leo is my star sign.