The former global head of innovation at AB InBev’s ‘Beyond Beer’ unit has joined Suntory Global Spirits to lead on its RTD operations.
Davin Nugent (below) had joined AB InBev on the innovation side at the start of 2023 but left the group in September. In the meantime, Suntory Global Spirits has expressed an intention to strengthen its focus on RTDs, resulting in the appointment late last month of Nugent to the position of president of global ready-to-drink.
Previous incumbent Sho Semba will return to parent Suntory Holdings to oversee the group’s restaurant business and other affiliate companies.
Prior to his stint with AB InBev, Nugent spent seven years heading up US marketing & innovation strategy and international distribution for Mark Anthony Brands, the owner of the high-profile White Claw RTD. In his new role, which will see him report in directly to CEO Greg Hughes, he will “oversee Suntory’s global strategy in the fast-growing RTD category”, with brands including On The Rocks and -196.
“Our aspiration is to be the number one RTD company globally by enhancing our capabilities to quickly optimise taste and design for local markets,” said Hughes. “I am confident Davin will help us sharpen our focus on executing our RTD priorities, building momentum for our brands around the world and further strengthening our position in this critical category.”
In May, Suntory Global Spirits unveiled an expansion of On The Rocks into cans for the first time in the US.
