Beam Suntory Names Carlo Coppola President of North America

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, today announced that Carlo Coppola has been appointed President of North America, succeeding Jessica Spence, who has decided to pursue other opportunities outside the company.

“With a career spanning across US commercial, finance and global brands over the past 20-plus years, Carlo brings strong commercial acumen, in-depth customer and consumer knowledge, and deep understanding and passion for our brands and people to our largest market,” said Greg Hughes, President & CEO of Beam Suntory. “We are grateful to Jessica for all she has done to help transform and build Beam Suntory during this critical period of growth and wish her well in her next endeavor.”

Coppola steps into his new role after serving most recently as President of American Whiskey & Tequila where he oversaw the P&L for the company’s priority bourbon brands, Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, and its Tequila portfolio that includes El Tesoro, Tres Generaciones and Hornitos. Prior to that, he was Managing Director of the James B. Beam Distilling Company brand house and previously served as US Chief Commercial Officer.

“I’m looking forward to returning to the North America market team,” said Coppola. “We have a strong foundation in place, and we are only just getting started on realizing the full potential of our portfolio in this region.”

Coppola’s appointment is effective April 29. He will report to Hughes and serve on the Beam Suntory Executive Leadership Team.

About Beam Suntory

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker's Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher's, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory's core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.

For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.