Multi-beverage giant Suntory Oceania has appointed Bríd Drohan-Stewart as chief marketing officer, Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, as the business steps up its ambitions across the local beverage market.
Drohan-Stewart will join the Oceania Executive Leadership Team and take direct leadership of Suntory Oceania’s non-alcohol portfolio across Australia and New Zealand, including V Energy, Suntory BOSS Coffee and Maximus.
She will commence in April 2026 and be based in Sydney.
Driving the next phase of Suntory’s growth
Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania CEO Dai Minato said Drohan-Stewart’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the business.
“We are delighted to welcome Bríd to the Suntory Oceania team with her impressive background in building brands across the FMCG, QSR and retail sectors,” Minato said.
“As we pioneer new beverage experiences, inspired by innovation and craftsmanship, Bríd will play a critical role in leading a new era for our portfolio in Australia and New Zealand.”
Drohan-Stewart said Suntory’s heritage and ambition were key factors in her decision to join.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join Suntory with its 125-year-old heritage and commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and excellence,” she said.
“Working with Suntory Oceania’s iconic brands, which can be disruptive, dynamic, and provide more choice to customers, creates enormous potential to shape the future of the beverage industry across Australia and New Zealand.”
Global marketing leader with FMCG and beverage pedigree
Drohan-Stewart brings more than 25 years’ experience leading high-performing marketing teams across fast-moving consumer goods, with senior roles at Woolworths Group, McDonald’s and The Coca-Cola Company.
Most recently, she has served as marketing director of Fresh/Fresh Food People at Woolworths Group, where she spent five years leading the Countdown brand in New Zealand.
Her tenure involved navigating COVID-19 trading conditions, overseeing the rebrand from Countdown to Woolworths, and introducing the Everyday Rewards program to the market.
Drohan-Stewart’s extensive experiences includes senior marketing roles with Coca-Cola across the UK, Ireland and New Zealand, where she led major global and regional campaigns including Share a Coke, Diet Coke’s UK relaunch and the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Top Image: Bríd Drohan-Stewart