Suntory Oceania taps 20-year Diageo veteran for marketing director role
Suntory Oceania has nabbed a long-time Diageo marketer to lead its spirits portfolio.
Johnny Morgan joins as senior marketing director, Suntory Global Spirits, effective from July 1.
He will lead brand growth initiatives and marketing activity in Australia and New Zealand for Suntory’s portfolio of spirits products, including Japanese whiskies, Suntory’s iconic -196 ready-to-drink beverages, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, and Canadian Club.
Johnny Morgan
He has over 20 years’ experience in the beverage industry, having worked at Diageo since 2004. He worked across multiple brands and markets for Diageo, most recently, as marketing and innovation director in Sydney.
Morgan will remain based in Sydney, reporting to Suntory Global Spirits Oceania’s local managing director, Mark Hill. He will also be a part of the global marketing leadership team.
“It’s a privilege to join the Suntory team in Oceania as we become the region’s newest multi-beverage player. We have a strong local presence in Oceania and a broad portfolio of beloved brands — and I’m looking forward to being part of the business,” he said in a media release.
Suntory Oceania was officially established in August 2023, merging the Beam Suntory and Frucor Suntory portfolios under one umbrella. It claims to be the fourth-largest multi-beverage group in the region.
Hill said Morgan’s appointment comes at a “pivotal time” for the local operation.
“The Australian beverage market is renowned for its dynamism and innovation, and I am excited to leverage Johnny’s extensive expertise to enhance our presence and bring our brands to life in this vibrant region,” he said.
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Lauren McNamara is the associate editor at Mumbrella, covering the agency beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.
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