Beam Suntory appoints North America president

Beam Suntory has promoted Greg Hughes to the role of president, North America, taking over from Albert Baladi, who was named incoming CEO of the drinks group last month.

Greg Hughes is Beam Suntory’s new president, North America

Hughes, Beam Suntory’s current general manager for North America, will step into the role on 1 January 2019.

Baladi will take over from Matt Shattock as CEO on 1 April 2019. He will remain chief operating officer until that time.

Hughes joined Beam Suntory in 2015 as general manager, US before taking on his current role last year.

According to Beam Suntory, he has been instrumental in helping the company achieve “sustained share gains” in the US.

Beam Suntory’s business in Canada has gained market share since mid-2017, while its Mexico business established its own sales organisation earlier this year.

“Greg is ideally suited to lead our North America region,” said Shattock. “Since joining Beam Suntory, Greg has stepped up to every leadership challenge he has taken on, and he’s demonstrated a strong track record of performance.

“Greg brings strength in marketing, commercial and people leadership, and he has been a key leader in helping deliver sustained outperformance in the US, our largest global market.”

Hughes has more than 25 years of consumer packaged goods experience in management, marketing and commercial roles.

He has held roles at Procter & Gamble, Bel Brands USA and Kraft Foods, where he was promoted to vice president of marketing.