Beam Suntory Names Food & Beverage Veteran as New CEO

Beam Suntory has announced that Greg Hughes, currently the SVP chief growth and brands officer, will succeed Albert Baladi as the CEO. Hughes has been with the beverage giant since 2015.

Baladi will become CEO advisor through year-end and will become senior advisor for the company throughout 2024. He served on the executive leadership team of Beam Suntory for 12 years. 

“On behalf of Suntory Holdings, I’d like to express deep appreciation to Albert for his tremendous leadership, exemplary contributions, and impact during his 12-year tenure with Beam Suntory,” said Tak Niinami, president & CEO of Suntory Holdings. “As CEO, Albert has led a highly transformative phase for the company. He architected the company’s 2030 growth strategy, established a brand-led operating model, step-changed investments in talent and capabilities, launched the company’s first ever Proof Positive Sustainability strategy, moved our global headquarters to New York City, and navigated the many challenges of the COVID pandemic.”

Hughes, who currently serves as Beam Suntory’s SVP chief growth & brands officer, has more than three decades of experience in consumer goods across marketing, commercial and management roles. Since joining Beam Suntory in 2015, Hughes led the company’s largest market as President North America for four years and prior to that as GM of North America. Prior to Beam Suntory, he served in roles with increasing responsibility at Procter & Gamble, Bel Brands USA, and Kraft Foods. 

“Greg is ideally suited to succeed Albert as CEO and lead the company’s next era of growth, building on the strong track record under Albert’s leadership,” Niinami said. “Greg has an incredibly strong track record of performance anchored in strategic vision, exemplary brand building, and a people-first inclusive mindset. He truly knows how to put brands and people at the heart of the business, and we have great confidence in his leadership.”

“I’m humbled and excited as I step in to lead Beam Suntory into our organization’s next chapter as we transform this business to achieve our ambition to become the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company and accomplish our 2030 goals,” said Hughes. “We have great people, great brands and a strong supporter in Suntory Group — a winning combination that promises a bright future for this company.”