Suntory Global Spirits has appointed Davin Nugent as President of Global Ready-To-Drink (RTD), strengthening its leadership as competition intensifies across the US FMCG beverages market.
The appointment was announced on January 7, 2026, from New York, where Suntory Global Spirits is headquartered. Nugent will report directly to President and CEO Greg Hughes.
Nugent brings more than 25 years of experience in the global beverage sector. Most recently, he served as Global Vice President of Innovation at Anheuser-Busch InBev. Before that, he was CEO of Mark Anthony Brands International.
His new role places him in charge of Suntory’s global RTD strategy, one of the fastest-growing categories within the US FMCG alcohol market. The company’s RTD portfolio includes On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails and the fast-expanding -196™ brand.
Suntory said the RTD category remains a strategic priority as US consumers continue to shift toward convenience-led premium formats. In 2025, the company launched more than ten new -196™ products globally, with strong double-digit growth reported in the United States.
The RTD segment has become one of the most competitive spaces in US FMCG drinks, drawing increased investment from spirits, beer, and soft-drink companies alike. Suntory’s advantage, according to the company, lies in its long-standing spirits expertise combined with non-alcoholic beverage capabilities.
Nugent said his focus will be on accelerating RTD innovation while adapting flavour and format choices for local markets.
Suntory Global Spirits operates in nearly 30 countries and employs around 6,000 people worldwide. While owned by Japan-based Suntory Holdings, the company’s RTD strategy is closely tied to North American FMCG consumption trends, particularly in the United States.
Why It Matters
RTD is no longer a niche category in US FMCG. It is now a core growth engine.
Suntory’s appointment signals tighter execution as global spirits groups compete for shelf space, consumer attention, and premium positioning in ready-to-drink formats.
Leadership depth is becoming as critical as brand innovation.
Editor’s note: This article is based on Suntory Global Spirits’ official January 2026 corporate announcement and public company information. It is written for FMCG, beverage, and supermarket industry readers.
