Suntory Oceania has announced that Darren Fullerton, CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, will retire in 2025.

Mr Fullerton joined Suntory in 2020 following CEO roles at PepsiCo and Winc and the company says he has played a critical role in building Suntory Oceania, a $3B multi-beverage group which brings together the end-to-end manufacturing, sales and distribution of Suntory's licensed and non-alcohol portfolios.

It says he has worked “in strong partnership” with Mark Hill, Managing Director of Suntory Global Spirits Oceania, on the project, which has created Oceania’s fourth largest beverage player, to launch in mid-2025.

Mr Fullerton will lead the final stages of the creation of Suntory Oceania to the end of March and then continue as an advisor. A successor will be announced in due course.

With over 12 years of experience as a CEO, Mr Fullerton said that now is the right time to embark on his next chapter. “Working at Suntory for the past five years has been a career highlight. Being part of an organisation that aligns so closely with my values and unlocking the potential of our Oceania business has been an incredible privilege.”

Makiko Ono, President of Suntory Beverage & Food, praised Fullerton’s contributions, saying, “Darren has been an extraordinary leader, driving growth, innovation and a culture of excellence in Oceania. He has lived the One Suntory mindset and set a benchmark for our future global business.”