Drinks company Beam Suntory has announced that it has appointed Heather Boyd as managing director - US ready-to-drink (RTD).
Beam Suntory said that Boyd's appointment is intended to help the company "capture the opportunity in the rapidly growing RTD-spirits market in the US".
The company stated on its website, "With the increasing popularity of cocktailing at home, consumers are seeking products that bridge the gap between premiumisation and convenience. Beam Suntory already holds RTD-spirits category leadership positions in Japan, Australia and Germany.
"In September, Beam Suntory acquired On The Rocks Premium Cocktails, a rapidly growing premium ready-to-drink cocktail brand, and announced plans to expand market availability and the product range."
The company added, "In this new role, Boyd will lead Beam Suntory's RTD business in the US and continue to build the company's RTD capabilities and offerings. Heather most recently served as chief product & innovation officer at Acreage Holdings, where she led a cross-functional product team across category management, sales, business intelligence, product and packaging development, and R&D, and established the company's wholesale business. Prior to Acreage Holdings, Boyd served in marketing and commercial roles of increasing responsibility at Diageo."
"Key To Leading [Beam Suntory's] Growing RTD Spirits Business"
Beam Suntory president - North America Greg Hughes said in a statement published along with the above statements on the company's website, "Heather will be key to leading our growing RTD spirits business, seizing on the rapidly growing RTD spirits space, and driving our goal to become the industry leader. As a company, we are extremely excited about what we have to offer within this category, and Heather's experience will enable us to strategically develop and deepen our RTD portfolio, allowing us to deliver quality and premium products that delight consumers."
"Thrilled"
Meanwhile, Boyd commented, "I'm thrilled to be joining Beam Suntory and supporting its ambition to become the leader in the RTD-spirits market, particularly as demand for premium, pre-mixed cocktails grows at an exponential rate. Beam Suntory's many years of global RTD experience, combined with its depth and breadth of premium, world-renowned brands, will allow us to pave the way forward in this exciting space."
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