Suntory Oceania has appointed Bríd Drohan-Stewart as CMO for Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania. Drohan-Stewart joins from Woolworths Group, where she is currently Marketing Director of Fresh/Fresh Food People.
She will be responsible for Suntory Oceania’s non-alcohol beverage portfolio across Australia and New Zealand, which includes V Energy, Suntory BOSS Coffee, and Maximus.
Drohan-Stewart will join the Oceania executive leadership team in April 2026 and be based in Sydney.
Her appointment follows that of Ashish Gandham to managing director of Suntory Global Spirits – Oceania, after Mark Hill stepped down at the end of 2025.
During her five years at Woolworths, Drohan-Stewart led the Countdown brand in New Zealand through the Covid period, oversaw its rebrand from Countdown to Woolworths, and introduced the Everyday Rewards program into the market.
Drohan-Stewart said, “I couldn’t be more excited to join Suntory with its 125-year-old heritage and commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and excellence.
“Working with Suntory Oceania’s iconic brands, which can be disruptive, dynamic, and provide more choice to customers, creates enormous potential to shape the future of the beverage industry across Australia and New Zealand.”
She has more than 25 years’ experience, with senior roles across FMCG, QSR and beverages, including Woolworths Group, McDonald’s and The Coca-Cola Company. Her beverage experience spans the UK, Ireland and New Zealand, where she led major campaigns including ‘Share a Coke’, Diet Coke’s UK relaunch, and the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania CEO, Dai Minato, said the appointment reflects the group’s ambitions for the region.
“We are delighted to welcome Bríd to the Suntory Oceania team with her impressive background in building brands across the FMCG, QSR and retail sectors.
“As we pioneer new beverage experiences, inspired by innovation and craftsmanship, Bríd will play a critical role in leading a new era for our portfolio in Australia and New Zealand,” Minato said.
Suntory Oceania is the region’s fourth-largest multi-beverage group, with end-to-end responsibility for a portfolio of more than 40 brands spanning premium spirits, RTDs, soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee, water, juice and sports beverages. The group operates two manufacturing sites, five distribution centres and employs more than 1,500 people across Australia and New Zealand.
