Beam Suntory announces CEO transition; Greg Hughes appointed

Beam Suntory president & CEO Albert Baladi has announced he will transition CEO responsibilities effective 1 October to Greg Hughes.

Hughes is currently the company’s current senior vice president chief growth & brands officer. Under this succession plan, Baladi will serve as CEO advisor through to the end of the year and will be engaged as senior advisor to the company throughout 2024.

Baladi has served on the executive leadership team of Beam Suntory for 12 years, acting as president and CEO for five. During his tenure as CEO, the company’s annual sales have grown at high single digits to more than $5 billion. 

Commenting on the upcoming transition, Baladi said: “It’s with an optimistic eye toward the future and extreme pride for all that has been accomplished that I have made the personal decision to step down and make way for the next leader. This is a decision I have been contemplating for some time with my family, and given the strength of the company, clear growth strategy in place for the future and the right team in place, now is the right time to hand the reins over to my successor, Greg Hughes, and his exceptional leadership. I am very proud of what we have built these past 12 years and am grateful for the opportunity to lead Beam Suntory as President & CEO during a five-year period of massive transformation for our company.”

Hughes has more than three decades of experience in consumer goods across various department, and prior to Beam Suntory, served in roles at Procter & Gamble, Bel Brands USA and Kraft Foods. 

Commenting on his upcoming change of role, Hughes said: “I’m humbled and excited as I step in to lead Beam Suntory into our organization’s next chapter as we transform this business to achieve our ambition to become the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company and accomplish our 2030 goals. We have great people, great brands and a strong supporter in Suntory Group – a winning combination that promises a bright future for this company.”

19 July 2023 - Bradley Weir