Greg Hughes Named Beam Suntory CEO
Albert Baladi will step down as Beam Suntory president and CEO on Oct. 1, passing the leadership torch to Greg Hughes.
Baladi, who’s held the role at the spirits manufacturer since 2019 and served on the executive leadership team for 12 years, said in a statement that it was a personal decision to step down to “make way for the next leader.”
“This is a decision I have been contemplating for some time with my family, and given the strength of the company, clear growth strategy in place for the future and the right team in place, now is the right time to hand the reins over to my successor, Greg Hughes, and his exceptional leadership,” he said. “I am very proud of what we have built these past 12 years and am grateful for the opportunity to lead Beam Suntory as president and CEO during a five-year period of massive transformation for our company.”
Beam Suntory, which is headquartered in New York City, is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan and operates in more than 30 countries. The company counts more than 6,000 employees among its ranks and includes such brands as Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Basil Hayden and Knob Creek in its portfolio. Last month, it entered into a distribution partnership with Mezcal Amarás for the U.S. market.
Hughes, currently senior VP and chief growth and brands officer, joined the company in 2015 and has led its largest market as president North America for four years, serving as GM of North America prior to that.
Before joining Beam Suntory, Hughes served in marketing and commercial roles at Kraft Foods, Procter & Gamble, and Bel Brands.
Tak Niinami, president and CEO of parent company Suntory Holdings, cited Hughes’ track record of performance, strategic vision, 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,” said Niinami.
Hughes expressed excitement and gratitude to step in lead the company into its next chapter. “We have great people, great brands and a strong supporter in Suntory Group — a winning combination that promises a bright future for this company," he noted.
Additional succession plans for the company’s brands and marketing organization will be shared in the coming months, according to the company.
