In a notable appointment, Suntory Global Spirits has appointed the highly regarded Vanessa Widmann as Managing Director, Global Travel Retail (GTR), Middle East & Africa, effective 1 September.
In her new role, Widmann will lead the continued growth of Suntory Global Spirits’ Global Travel Retail business, while overseeing commercial strategy for the Middle East & Africa regions.
Widmann joins Suntory Global Spirits from Moët Hennessy, where she most recently served as Managing Director Travel Retail APAC, leading a key regional business across multiple markets and channels.
Based in Singapore, Widmann will report to Suntory Global Spirits President International Carol Robert as part of the International Leadership Team.
Widmann succeeds Ashish Gandham, who left the GTR division earlier this year following his appointment as Managing Director, Suntory Global Spirits – Oceania. General Manager CoE GTR and MEA Ashish Sagar will continue to lead the business on an interim basis until Widmann comes onboard.
Widmann brings extensive global retail, luxury and travel retail experience to the role, having spent more than 20 years leading commercial and consumer businesses across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas.
Throughout her career, she has built a strong reputation for driving growth, leading transformation, building high-performing teams and delivering diverse consumer experiences, Suntory Global Spirits noted.
Prior to Moët Hennessy, Widmann held senior leadership roles with Levi Strauss & Co., Victoria’s Secret, Coach and LVMH Beauty across international and travel retail markets.
Working closely with customers and strategic partners, she will focus on accelerating sustainable growth, elevating consumer experiences and strengthening the company’s portfolio across international travel retail.
“I’m delighted to welcome Vanessa to Suntory Global Spirits,” said Carol Robert. “Global Travel Retail is one of our most important growth channels and plays a unique role in building our brands with consumers around the world.
“As we continue to strengthen our International business, we wanted a leader who brings not only deep travel retail expertise, but also fresh perspective from across a diverse range of consumer industries.
“Vanessa’s experience leading transformation, building high-performing teams and delivering exceptional consumer and customer experiences across luxury, fashion, beauty and spirits makes her exceptionally well placed to lead the next chapter of growth for our GTR business.”
Widmann commented: “I’m honoured to be joining Suntory Global Spirits at such an exciting stage in the company’s journey. The travel retail channel continues to evolve as one of the most dynamic environments for brand building, consumer engagement and innovation.
“Suntory Global Spirits has an outstanding portfolio of globally recognised brands, strong customer relationships and an incredibly talented team.
“I look forward to working closely with our customers, partners and colleagues around the world to build on the strong foundations already in place, accelerate sustainable growth and create memorable experiences for travelling consumers.”
“I would also like to thank Ashish Sagar for his outstanding leadership during this transition,” added Robert. “Ashish has led the business with real energy, commitment and care, ensuring continuity for our people, our customers and our partners.
“I’m grateful for everything he has done to maintain the strong momentum in GTR and for his continued support as we welcome Vanessa to the business.” ✈
Comment: This is an astute appointment by Suntory Global Spirits, writes Martin Moodie.
Vanessa Widmann is rightly held in high esteem by Asia Pacific retailers thanks to a highly successful, almost nine-year stint at Moët Hennessy and will now bring her skill-set to a wider travel retail and local market retailer and consumer audience.
Under her leadership, Moët Hennessy raised its profile (and sales) exponentially in the channel. Her tenure as regional travel retail supremo saw some of the most dynamic and engaging promotions and campaigns witnessed in Asia Pacific over recent times.
Now Widmann swaps a glittering portfolio embracing powerhouse brands such as Hennessy, Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Dom Pérignon, Krug, Ruinart and Belvedere for a very different, spirits-based line-up that includes Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark from the USA; Yamazaki and Hibiki Japanese whiskies; and leading Scotch whisky brands, including Laphroaig.
Suntory Global Spirits also produces El Tesoro and Hornitos tequilas and Rokugin.
It will be interesting to watch how Widmann approaches travel retail in particular. Expect plenty of engaging, high-profile promotions and an acute accent on Trinity-based partnerships, an approach that paid off richly for Moët Hennessy in the past.
