Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania has appointed Deb Cooper as Sales Director, New Zealand. Ms Cooper’s appointment comes as the company works towards the launch of its new A$3B partnership, Suntory Oceania with sister company Suntory Global Spirits.
With responsibility for the New Zealand sales team, Ms Cooper will drive the non-alc portfolio, working with iconic brands such as V Energy, Suntory Boss Coffee, and Gatorade.
Ms Cooper, part of the Suntory business for over a decade, has an impressive track record in Grocery, Leisure, and Route channels, with her most recent role being Head of Petrol and Convenience (P&C) at Suntory Beverage & Food, Australia.
This includes leading teams in global businesses Drinkworks and Fonterra, with Deb bringing her extensive knowledge and passion for the industry to the New Zealand market.
Brad Erceg, Chief Commercial Officer at Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, says Ms Cooper’s appointment is a coup for the business and for New Zealand customers.
“Deb’s exceptional leadership, customer-centric approach and energy has enabled our business to go from strength to strength in Australia, transforming category growth and delivering unrivalled recognition within the P&C channel. Her extensive FMCG experience positions her well to drive growth and innovation in this market.
“The New Zealand market is a deep part of our heritage as a business and we have forged a strong path to success with flagship brands like V Energy, Just Juice and the PepsiCo portfolio of brands. Under Deb’s leadership we will continue to ignite the category and bring the best of Suntory to Oceania as we grow to become a multi-beverage powerhouse.”
On her appointment, Ms Cooper said, “I’m thrilled to be joining the thriving New Zealand commercial team and am looking forward to fostering new partnerships and working with our customers to drive innovation and shape strategic growth.”
Ms Cooper’s appointment comes ahead of the business’s exclusive launch of American energy giant Celsius, which she calls a “game changer”.
“This provides the opportunity to strengthen our position in the category and demonstrate the expertise and leadership we have across the entire energy segment. We’re looking forward to launching this new product in New Zealand in September.”
The Suntory Oceania partnership is set to go live in Australia in mid-2025 and in New Zealand from January 2026.
