Rebecca Messina leaves Beam Suntory for Uber

Uber has snapped up Beam Suntory’s Rebecca Messina as its first chief marketing officer.

Rebecca Messina is leaving Beam Suntory to join ride-sharing app Uber

Messina joined Beam Suntory as global chief marketing officer (CMO) in March 2016, taking over from Kevin George. She had previously worked at The Coca-Cola Company for 22 years in roles including senior vice president, marketing and innovation for ventures and emerging brands.

A Beam Suntory spokesperson said: “In her two-and-a-half years at Beam Suntory, Rebecca’s leadership has been instrumental in taking our brands and marketing capabilities to the next level.

“We are determined to build on her success, and we will commence an external search for her successor.

“Rebecca will remain with Beam Suntory through early October to ensure a seamless transition, and her incredibly strong team will help ensure continuity and sustained momentum as we move forward.

“We wish Rebecca the very best as she writes the next chapter in her outstanding career.”

Barney Harford, Uber’s chief operating officer, said Messina will make a “terrific leader” for the group’s global marketing teams.

He said: “Rebecca brings deep experience in building global brands and she’ll be a terrific leader for Uber’s marketing teams around the world.

“We’re excited to learn from her as we work to make Uber one of the world’s most valuable brands, supported by cutting-edge marketing systems.”