Suntory Global Spirits has appointed Carol Robert as president, international, strengthening its leadership team as the premium spirits giant targets long-term growth across key global markets.
Robert will take up the role on 1 April, joining the executive leadership team and reporting directly to president and chief executive Greg Hughes. She will be based in London, positioning her close to major global customers and commercial hubs.
She brings more than 20 years of commercial, operational and marketing experience across Europe and the US. Most recently, Robert served as managing director of the company’s US ready-to-drink (RTD) division, where she delivered significant growth and helped shape the long-term strategy for the portfolio.
Prior to that, she was chief operating officer for Great Britain and Ireland at Suntory Beverage & Food Europe, leading the business across multiple markets and delivering sustained revenue and profit growth.
Hughes said: “Carol brings deep UK and European leadership experience, strong operational discipline and a proven track record of delivering results across complex markets. 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.”
Robert, who is fluent in English, French and Spanish, holds a degree in international business and modern languages and has worked extensively across European markets.
Alongside Robert’s appointment, Suntory Global Spirits has also expanded the remit of Carlo Coppola, who becomes president, the Americas. Coppola, who has led North America since 2024, will now oversee Latin America and the Caribbean in addition to the US and Canada, as the company seeks to create a more unified regional structure.
As part of the changes, Humberto Pérez has been named managing director for Latin America, overseeing Brazil’s commercial organisation and distributor networks across the region.
Suntory Global Spirits is one of the world’s leading premium spirits producers, with a portfolio including Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Laphroaig, Bowmore and Sipsmith, alongside a growing presence in the RTD category with brands such as -196 and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.