Beam Suntory hires ex-Diageo exec for digital boost

Beam Suntory has appointed former Diageo executive Venky Iyer as vice president – digital products and experience to spearhead the group’s digital expansion.

Iyer will be responsible for outlining the strategy to build momentum and ‘rapidly advance’ Beam Suntory’s digital agenda.

Jessica Spence, president of brands, said: “Venky will be central to leading the continued evolution of our digital agenda as we further premiumise the digital consumer and customer experience with our business and our brands.

“With a background deeply rooter in digital, Venky will help to further build the capabilities and connections necessary to build premium brands of scale, allowing our business to thrive in the digital world.”

Iyer spent 15 years working at Diageo in global leadership roles focused on digital marketing, e-commerce and digital innovation.

During his time with the firm, Iyer started and grew business-critical partnerships with the world’s leading digital and e-commerce platforms.

Iyer also launched Diageo’s ‘technology futures’ group to invest in startups shaping the future of online discovery, shopping and brand experience.

Following his time at Diageo, he co-founded intent.ai, a Saas platform that perceives consumer behaviour from mobile networks.

He said: “I am thrilled to help Beam Suntory establish digital as an engine of transformational growth, especially on the heels of momentum gained last year.

“Beam Suntory is well positioned to pave the way forward with digital in the spirits industry.”

In December last year, Maker’s Mark owner Beam Suntory appointed former Diageo executive Heather Boyd to the newly created role of managing director for its ready-to-drink business in the US.

Last month, Beam Suntory revealed plans to invest £6 million in Highland Scotch distillery Glen Garioch to reintroduce floor maltings and other ‘traditional processes’ to the site.