First non-family member appointed to lead iconic SA pie business
A fresh face is set to lead one of South Australia’s most recognisable Food SA hall of famers with its famed pie floater and Mile End cafe. He has grand plans to “reinvigorate” the business’s international export arm.
Family bakery Vili’s has appointed its first non-family member CEO, with Tom Sullivan to lead the iconic brand that was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the SA Food Awards in 2024.
Sullivan replaces Alison Milisits in the role, who will transition to managing director and onto a newly established advisory board.
Alison is the daughter of the late Vili Milisits, who founded the bakery in 1968. The Hungarian pastry chef, who fled to Australia during the Hungarian Revolution in 1956, died in 2021, aged 72.
His daughter will sit on the advisory board alongside Vili’s wife, Rosemary, to continue to lead the family-owned business while working closely with Sullivan to drive growth.
Sullivan’s appointment marks a new era for the company that employs 360 people, including support for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, and is actively involved in local charities.
The business leader has previously worked for other family-owned businesses, including Detmold Packaging and Queensland-based QLM Group.
You might like
He told InDaily he was honoured to lead the company and to “reinvigorate” its overseas exports business, which essentially ceased operating in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The business is going through a very exciting time,” he said.
“It’s an iconic, quintessential South Australian brand. I’m very fortunate to be given the privilege to be involved in the business and lead the brand. It is absolutely an honour.”
The South Australian business also operates two Café De Vili’s at Mile End and Blair Athol, where hungry South Australians can devour the brand’s iconic pie floater (in pea & ham soup), sweet baked goods and its full range of pastries.
Sullivan said the family would remain “heavily involved” in Vili’s, and that his expertise in organisational transformation, strategy and market expansion would complement the “exceptional product and exceptional brand”.
Stay informed, daily
“I will be looking at bringing some leadership and strategic structure in how we continue to evolve and continue to grow and expand the brand, not just within South Australia,” he said.
“The South Australian side of things is very strong and very prominent. How do we continue to expand that growth across Australia?”
All Vili’s products are made in SA. He said Vili’s enjoys success on the East Coast and historically the brand “had quite a strong pre-COVID presence” internationally.
“Which obviously got stunted during that period and pretty much ceased to be honest,” he said.
“We’ll be looking to reinvigorate our export sales along with continuing growth in South Australia,” he said.
“There’s still some good opportunities with our product in South Australia and nationally.”
Alison said Sullivan’s appointment reflected the bakery’s ambition to evolve and strengthen its position as an SA icon.
“Our family has always believed Vili’s is more than a bakery – it’s part of South Australia’s story,” she said.
“Tom’s appointment as CEO allows us to strengthen our foundation while embracing new opportunities for the future.
“I am confident his experience and leadership will take Vili’s to the next level while staying true to our values.”
