Asahi Group Holdings has appointed Nigel Parsons as CEO of Asahi Europe & International, taking over the role from Dragoș Constantinescu, who will depart at the end of June.
The company stated Parsons brings extensive people, commercial and multi-category leadership experience from both within the Asahi Group and leading global FMCG organisations – with a strong and proven track record of driving sustainable growth, strengthening brand portfolios, and successfully leading organisations through periods of transformation.
Asahi Beverages made moves early last year to strengthen business in the APAC region, consolidating its alcohol and non-alcohol commercial and sales functions and the NZ business, and removing the CEO positions in its three divisions – Asahi Lifestyle Beverages (ALB), Carlton & United Breweries and Asahi Beverages NZ.
Parsons, who was previously ALB CEO since 2021, took on the newly created chief commercial officer Oceania role on 1 April 2025, responsible for the group’s full commercial and sales remit across Australia and New Zealand.
Asahi Group Holdings president and group CEO, Atsushi Katsuki, said Parsons brings extensive leadership experience and a proven track record of driving sustainable growth and leading organisational transformation.
“We are confident that, under his leadership, AEI will advance its strategic priorities in full alignment with the group’s medium- to long-term management policy and strengthen value creation across our business portfolio,” said Katsuki.
Parsons is expected to assume the role in the second half of the year, subject to the relevant visa approvals. AEI CFO, Andrew Bailey, will serve as acting CEO during the interim to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
