Suntory Oceania has announced that Darren Fullerton, CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, will retire in 2025.
Mr Fullerton joined Suntory in 2020 following CEO roles at PepsiCo and Winc, and has been instrumental to the growth and evolution of the business into a dynamic beverage player across Australia and New Zealand.
Most notably, he has played a critical role in building Suntory Oceania, a $3B multi-beverage group which brings together the end-to-end manufacturing, sales and distribution of Suntory’s licensed and non-alcohol portfolios.
In strong partnership with Mark Hill, Managing Director of Suntory Global Spirits Oceania, the team has created Oceania’s fourth largest beverage player, which will launch in mid-2025 to disrupt and ignite the category with its 40 market-leading brands.
With over 12 years of experience as a CEO, Mr Fullerton said that now is the right time to embark on his next chapter.
“Working at Suntory for the past five years has been a career highlight. Being part of an organisation that aligns so closely with my values and unlocking the potential of our Oceania business has been an incredible privilege.
“The creation of Suntory Oceania firmly positions the business for a strong and successful future, built on a foundation of Suntory’s ambitious ‘Yatte Minahare’ spirit. I know the team will continue to thrive and I look forward to supporting the business in an advisory role,” he said.
Makiko Ono, President of Suntory Beverage & Food, praised Fullerton’s contributions, saying, “Darren has been an extraordinary leader, driving growth, innovation and a culture of excellence in Oceania. He has lived the One Suntory mindset and set a benchmark for our future global business.”
Mr Fullerton will lead the final stages of the creation of Suntory Oceania to the end of March and then continue as an advisor. A successor will be announced in due course.
