Suntory Global Spirits has appointed Vanessa Widmann as Managing Director, Global Travel Retail (GTR), Middle East & Africa, effective September 1. Widmann will be based in Singapore and report to President International Carol Robert as part of the International Leadership Team.
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READ THE STORYWidmann joins the company from Moët Hennessy, where she served as Managing Director Travel Retail APAC. In that role, she led a large regional business spanning multiple markets and channels.
She brings more than 20 years of commercial and consumer experience across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas. Prior to Moët Hennessy, she held senior leadership roles at Levi Strauss & Co., Victoria’s Secret, Coach and LVMH Beauty.
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In her new position, Widmann will lead the growth of the company’s Global Travel Retail business. She will also oversee commercial strategy for the Middle East & Africa. Her focus will include accelerating sustainable growth, elevating consumer experiences and strengthening the portfolio across international travel retail.
“I’m delighted to welcome Vanessa to Suntory Global Spirits,” said Carol Robert, President International at Suntory Global Spirits. “Global Travel Retail is one of our most important growth channels and plays a unique role in building our brands with consumers around the world.”
Robert added: “Vanessa’s experience leading transformation, building high-performing teams and delivering exceptional consumer and customer experiences across luxury, fashion, beauty and spirits makes her exceptionally well placed to lead the next chapter of growth for our GTR business.”
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Widmann said she was “honoured to be joining Suntory Global Spirits at such an exciting stage in the company’s journey.”
“The travel retail channel continues to evolve as one of the most dynamic environments for brand building, consumer engagement and innovation,” she said.
Suntory Global Spirits owns a portfolio that includes Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Yamazaki and Hibiki. The company was formed after Beam Inc. was acquired by Suntory Holdings in 2014, and rebranded from Beam Suntory in 2024.
Widmann succeeds Ashish Gandham, who left the GTR division earlier this year after his appointment as Managing Director, Suntory Global Spirits – Oceania.
General Manager CoE GTR and MEA Ashish Sagar will lead the business on an interim basis until Widmann joins in September.
“I would also like to thank Ashish Sagar for his outstanding leadership during this transition,” Robert said. “Ashish has led the business with real energy, commitment and care, ensuring continuity for our people, our customers and our partners. I’m grateful for everything he has done to maintain the strong momentum in GTR and for his continued support as we welcome Vanessa to the business.”
