Beam Suntory hires Scotch and Irish MD

Laphroaig owner Beam Suntory has named Robbie Millar as managing director of the company’s Scotch and Irish whiskey portfolio.

Millar will be responsible for brands such as the Laphroaig, Bowmore, Auchentoshan Scotch whiskies, as well as Kilbeggan Irish whiskey.

“The remit I have here at Beam Suntory in leading this amazing house is hugely exciting and I recognise the responsibility it comes with,” said Millar.

“I am a custodian of iconic Scotch and Irish whiskies and have a duty to build these brands for the benefit of all our people, consumers, customers and the local communities in which we operate. Underpinning all our work – fuelling our continued success – will be a deep belief in craft, quality and sustainability.”

Millar joins the US firm from beer producer Carlsberg, where he served as vice-president of global marketing.

Prior to Carlsberg, Millar worked as global director, category development for SAB Miller, senior partner and managing director for Kantar Consulting, and managing director for Compass Box Whisky.

“Beam Suntory is building global brands that consumers love, and our brand house managing directors play a critical role in that journey,” said Jessica Spence, president of brands at Beam Suntory.

“Robbie is an exceptional, commercially astute leader who will steer, alongside a superb team, our Scotch and Irish brand house into an ever-stronger position. More sustainable and more premium and always, always with our consumers and customers at the heart of our plans.”

The new role will see Millar report to Spence.

Earlier this month, the company promoted Carlo Coppola to managing director of the James B Beam Distilling Co brand house.