Suntory Oceania has announced the appointment of Brad Erceg as Chief Commercial Officer. In the new role, Erceg will be responsible for Suntory Oceania’s portfolio of more than 40 leading brands, including prominent liquor labels such as Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Hibiki, and Canadian Club.
Erceg has been promoted to the new role following 18 years working with Suntory in roles such as General Manager – New Zealand and Sales Director – New Zealand. He will become a key figure in Suntory Oceania’s Executive Leadership Team as the company becomes fully operational in Australia by mid next year and in New Zealand by the end of next year.
“We have a clear vision of how Suntory can disrupt and ignite the beverage category across Australia and New Zealand,” said Erceg.
“It’s a privilege to step forward and lead our amazing team through this transformation as we continue to deliver for our customers”.
Suntory Oceania, a partnership formed between Beam Suntory and Frucor Suntory following the announced 2025 separation of Beam Suntory and CCEP, is on track to become the fourth largest beverage group in Australia and New Zealand by mid-2025. According to Darren Fullerton, CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, the new appointment was a natural choice for the company.
“Brad’s appointment to Chief Commercial Officer and his arrival as an Executive Leadership Team member is a testament to his talent, leadership capability and future potential beyond Commercial,” he said.
“His leadership skills and commercial acumen are well known inside and outside of Suntory, and he brings a fresh approach to navigating complexity while delivering growth for the business, its culture and people. He is a true Suntorian who will be a key driver in bringing the best of Suntory to Oceania.”
Suntory Oceania has recently been growing in momentum. This includes starting installation on its 14 km stretch of solar panels that will provide power to its new $400 multi-beverage facility.
“This is the largest single FMCG investment in Australia in over a decade,” said Ian Roberts, Chief Supply Chain Officer Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania.
“Our carbon neutral ‘smart’ facility, powered by a combination of solar, biomass and green energy, will give Suntory unrivalled ability to innovate, respond to customer demand, and deliver beverages that are made locally and sustainably.”
In addition to spirits and RTDs, Suntory Oceania’s portfolio will also include an array of juice, water, soft drinks, coffee, energy and sports drinks.
The company has also put a recruitment callout for more than 130 roles including in positions such as Territory Managers, Field Sales Representatives, and Lead Team Members.
For more information, visit www.suntoryoceania.com/#careers
