Beam Suntory merges regions in new structure

Beam Suntory is to merge its four operating regions into three as part of a bid to “simplify” its regional structure, with one executive leaving the company.

The merge will result in three remaining categories – Americas, Japan and International

The company will combine the management of the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) businesses with Asia Pacific, to create a new category, ‘International’, which will be led by Albert Baladi, president of Beam Suntory’s current EMEA region.

In addition, the company’s South America business will become part of a new ‘Americas’ region, led by Tim Hassett; president of Beam Suntory’s current North America region.

This will result in three remaining categories – Americas, Japan and International – with comparable scale and sales at around US$1 billion or more individually.

“With the Beam Suntory integration largely behind us, we can now benefit from simplifying our regional structure,” said Matt Shattock, chairman and CEO of Beam Suntory.

“Merging our EMEA and Asia Pacific businesses helps ensure our business is set up to win by being close to our customers and consumers, aligning with our long-term growth strategy, and creating opportunities for some of our best and brightest talent.

“We also see benefits from uniting all of our Latin America markets in the same region. We look forward to driving continued momentum in the marketplace with our three strong regions.”

In addition Nick Fink, president of the current Asia Pacific/South America region, will leave his role at Beam Suntory to pursue a senior executive position outside of the industry.

Shattock added: “We are happy for Nick and grateful for his numerous contributions to our success.

“He leaves a business in Asia Pacific/South America that is gaining momentum, and he has built an outstanding leadership team that will play an invaluable role in the new International region.”

Japanese drinks group Suntory bought US group Beam Inc, for US$16 billion last year, creating an integrated spirits portfolio under the company Beam Suntory Inc.

Since then, Beam Suntory has moved a significant portion of its distribution in-house – introducing the Suntory spirits portfolio through Beam’s distribution channels.