Suntory Oceania has appointed Bríd Drohan-Stewart to chief marketing officer, of Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, as the group delivers on its ambitions to ignite the local beverage market.
An international marketing leader with more than 25 years’ experience leading high-performing teams, Drohan-Stewart has a proven track record of strong business growth through brand transformation for large-scale organisations, including Woolworths Group, McDonald’s and The Coca-Cola Company.
Currently marketing director of Fresh/Fresh Food People, she leaves Woolworths after five years having successfully led the Countdown brand through challenging COVID-19 trading conditions, rebranding Countdown to Woolworths, and introducing Everyday Rewards in New Zealand.
Well-versed in global beverages, Drohan-Stewart has also worked for The Coca-Cola Company in the U.K., Ireland and New Zealand, leading key campaigns -‘Share a Coke’, Diet Coke’s UK relaunch and the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Joining the Oceania executive leadership team, she will take direct leadership of Suntory Oceania’s non-alcohol portfolio in Australia and New Zealand, which includes brands V Energy, Suntory BOSS Coffee and Maximus.
“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,” said Dai Minato, Suntory Beverage and Food Oceania CEO. “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.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to join Suntory with its 125-year-old heritage and commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and excellence,” said Drohan-Stewart.
“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.”
Drohan-Stewart will join the team in April 2026 and will be based at Suntory Oceania’s Sydney office.
Suntory Oceania is the region’s fourth largest multi-beverage group, with end-to-end responsibility for its combined portfolio of more than 40 brands, including premium spirits, RTD (ready-to-drink) alcohol beverages, juice, water, soft drinks, coffee, energy and sports drinks.
