Suntory Global Spirits – the US-headquartered spirits arm of Japanese drinks giant Suntory – has appointed Carol Robert to head up its international operations.
Robert, previously head of SGS’ ready-to-drink division in the US, will join the Jim Beam owner’s executive leadership team and report directly into CEO Greg Hughes.
She will be based in London, a decision SGS said would provide “proximity to major global customers, partners and international commercial hubs”.
It comes after SGS set up its own standalone business in the UK last year, following the amicable end of a distribution tie-up with Edrington in 2024.
“Carol brings deep UK and European leadership experience, strong operational discipline and a proven track record of delivering results across complex markets,” said Hughes. “She knows our International markets well and has proven she can simplify complexity, unlock growth and build cultures where teams move with speed and accountability.
“Carol’s international perspective, multilingual background and ability to bring clarity and focus make her an exceptional leader as we strengthen our global business for the future.”
SGS has also expanded the remit of its US and Canadian business head Carlo Coppola to include Latin America and the Caribbean.
The expanded role reflected SGS’ ambition to “create a more unified and strategically aligned Americas region”, said Hughes.
SGS’ business unit in the UK & Ireland is headed up by managing director Nick Temperley. It is responsible for the sales and marketing of brands including Japanese spirits Toki whisky and Roku gin, scotch whiskies Laphroaig and Bowmore, and Jim Beam bourbon.
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