SUNTORY GLOBAL SPIRITS APPOINTS CAROL ROBERT AS INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT

Suntory Global Spirits has promoted Carol Robert to International President, strengthening its global leadership with an internal appointment. Based in London, Robert succeeds Yuri Grebenkin and brings extensive UK, European, and US experience. The company also expanded Carlo Coppola’s remit to President of the Americas, with Humberto Pérez leading Latin America.  

Suntory Global Spirits has announced the appointment of Carol Robert as its new International President, a move that underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening its global leadership structure through internal talent. Based in London, Robert steps into the role following the departure of Yuri Grebenkin, who concluded a decade-long tenure with the group at the end of last year, including three years as International President.  

Robert’s promotion reflects her steady rise within Suntory’s global operations. She most recently served as Managing Director of the company’s ready-to-drink (RTD) business in the United States, where she oversaw a dynamic portfolio in one of the fastest-growing categories in the beverage industry. Prior to that, she spent six years as Chief Operating Officer for Great Britain and Ireland at Suntory Holdings’ non-alcoholic food and beverages division, where she played a pivotal role in shaping strategy and operations across key markets.  

Her journey with Suntory began in 2018 when she joined Suntory Beverage & Food Europe as Talent Director. Within just seven months, she was promoted to COO, a testament to her leadership acumen and ability to drive results. CEO Greg Hughes praised Robert’s appointment, highlighting her deep UK and European leadership experience, coupled with a strong understanding of international markets. “Carol’s track record demonstrates her ability to lead with vision and deliver growth across diverse geographies. Her appointment ensures continuity and momentum as we strengthen our global footprint,” Hughes said.  

Robert’s leadership comes at a time when Suntory Global Spirits is sharpening its focus on international expansion and market integration. The company has been steadily building its presence across continents, balancing heritage with innovation in its portfolio of spirits and beverages. Her appointment signals a continued emphasis on leveraging internal expertise to navigate complex global markets while maintaining the company’s distinctive brand identity.  

In parallel with Robert’s promotion, Suntory Global Spirits has announced a series of leadership changes designed to reinforce its regional management. Carlo Coppola, previously President of North America, has been elevated to President of the Americas. His expanded remit now includes Latin America and the Caribbean, positioning him to oversee a broader geography and align strategies across diverse consumer landscapes. Coppola’s leadership in North America has been marked by strong commercial performance and innovation, and his new role reflects the company’s confidence in his ability to replicate success across the wider region.  

Supporting this transition, Humberto Pérez, formerly Managing Director of Mexico, will now serve as Managing Director for Latin America. Pérez will report directly to Coppola and take charge of Brazil’s commercial operations as well as the regional distributor network. His expanded responsibilities highlight the importance of Latin America as a growth market for Suntory, where evolving consumer preferences and expanding distribution channels present significant opportunities.  

Together, these appointments reflect Suntory Global Spirits’ strategic intent to reinforce its leadership bench strength while ensuring regional agility. By promoting leaders with proven track records and deep market knowledge, the company is positioning itself to respond effectively to shifting consumer trends, regulatory landscapes, and competitive pressures.  

For Robert, the new role represents both a culmination of her career trajectory within Suntory and a fresh challenge at the helm of international operations. Her experience across talent management, operational leadership, and category innovation equips her to steer the company through the complexities of global expansion. Industry observers note that her appointment is consistent with Suntory’s philosophy of nurturing leaders from within, ensuring cultural continuity while embracing fresh perspectives.  

As Suntory Global Spirits continues to evolve, these leadership changes are expected to drive greater cohesion across its global operations. With Robert leading international markets, Coppola overseeing the Americas, and Pérez strengthening Latin America, the company is reinforcing its ambition to remain a formidable player in the global spirits industry. The appointments not only reflect confidence in internal talent but also signal a clear roadmap for growth, integration, and leadership in the years ahead.  

At a time when the global beverage industry is undergoing rapid transformation, Suntory Global Spirits’ decision to elevate proven leaders underscores its commitment to resilience and innovation. Carol Robert’s appointment as International President is more than a leadership change—it is a statement of intent, positioning the company to navigate the future with strength, clarity, and vision.