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Suntory Global Spirits has announced the appointment of Davin Nugent as President of Global Ready-To-Drink (RTD), a strategic move aimed at accelerating the company's ambition to become the world's leading premium spirits player in the convenience category.

Nugent will report directly to President & CEO Greg Hughes, taking the helm of a division that includes high-growth brands such as On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails and -196™.

Executive Profile and Track Record

Nugent brings over 25 years of experience in the global beverage sector, with a specific focus on RTD innovation and market expansion.

• Previous Role: Most recently served as Global Vice President of Innovation at Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI).

• Prior Experience: Formerly held the position of CEO at Mark Anthony Brands International, gaining significant exposure to the explosive growth of the hard seltzer and flavoured malt beverage categories.

Strategic Mandate: Global Leadership

Suntory has explicitly stated its aspiration to become the number one RTD company globally. Nugent’s remit involves sharpening the focus on executing global priorities and building momentum for the portfolio across international markets.

The company is leveraging a unique competitive advantage: over a century of expertise in spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. This foundation allows for "breakthrough innovations" using high-quality base liquors. The strategy is already yielding results, with the -196™ brand enjoying strong double-digit growth in the US following the introduction of over ten new offerings globally in 2025.

Greg Hughes, President & CEO of Suntory Global Spirits, outlined the operational goals:

Davin Nugent commented on the opportunity: "Suntory is world-renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship, which has led the company to be a leader in the competitive RTD markets in Japan and Australia. This is a category that continues to grow as consumers seek convenience and high-quality experiences, so I'm thrilled to be joining the team to capitalise on this opportunity."