Suntory Global Spirits has appointed Vanessa Widmann as Managing Director, Global Travel Retail (GTR), Middle East & Africa, effective September 1.
Based in Singapore, Widmann will report to President International Carol Robert, as part of the International Leadership Team. She joins Suntory Global Spirits from Moët Hennessy, where she most recently served as Managing Director Travel Retail APAC.
Widmann brings extensive global retail, luxury and travel retail experience to the role, with more than 20 years leading commercial and consumer businesses across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas. 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.
In her role, she will lead the continued growth of Suntory Global Spirits’ Global Travel Retail business, while overseeing the commercial strategy for the Middle East & Africa.
“I’m delighted to welcome Vanessa to Suntory Global Spirits,” said Carol Robert, President International at Suntory Global Spirits. “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.”
“I’m honored 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,” said Vanessa Widmann.
“Suntory Global Spirits has an outstanding portfolio of globally recognized 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 traveling consumers.”
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 joins in September.
