Beam Suntory names new global CMO

Beam Suntory has appointed Coca-Cola Company executive Rebecca Messina as its new global chief marketing officer, taking over from Kevin George.

Messina, who currently serves as senior vice president, marketing and innovation, venturing and emerging brands at The Coca-Cola Company, will join Beam Suntory’s executive leadership team and report to CEO Matt Shattock.

She has held numerous positions across Coco-Cola throughout her 22 years at the company and was most recently responsible for leading brand strategy within high-growth emerging brand companies.

Prior to assuming her current position within the business in 2014, Messina served for five years as vice president, global marketing capability and integration. She is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

“Rebecca is a dynamic, growth-oriented leader,” said Matt Shattock, chairman and CEO of Beam Suntory. “We’re delighted that she will join Beam Suntory to lead our global marketing and strengthen the function to deliver industry-leading, market-beating growth.

“With experience as a global brand marketer, leader of fast-growing entrepreneurial premium brands and a leading developer of marketing capability, Rebecca will be a perfect fit for us as we pursue our ambitious growth objectives.”

Messina has been appointed CMO of Beam Suntory following a “thorough search” to find a successor to Kevin George, who stepped down from the position in October last year.

After six years in the role, George left Beam Suntory for an “outstanding leadership opportunity” outside of the spirits industry.