Suntory Oceania CEO Darren Fullerton to retire in 2025 

AUSTRALIA – Suntory Oceania has announced that Darren Fullerton, CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, will retire in 2025 after five years of leadership.  

Until then, Fullerton will oversee the final development stages of Suntory Oceania ahead of its official market launch in June 2024. Post-launch, he will transition into an advisory role for the company. 

Fullerton joined Suntory in 2020, following prominent CEO roles at PepsiCo and Winc. Over his tenure, he has played a pivotal role in transforming Suntory into a dynamic beverage leader across Australia and New Zealand.  

Reflecting on his time at Suntory, Fullerton stated, “Working at Suntory for the past five years has been a career highlight. Being part of an organisation that aligns so closely with my values and unlocking the potential of our Oceania business has been an incredible privilege.” 

Makiko Ono, President of Suntory Beverage & Food, praised Fullerton’s contributions: “Darren has been an extraordinary leader, driving growth, innovation, and a culture of excellence in Oceania. He has lived the One Suntory mindset and set a benchmark for our future global business.” 

A cornerstone of Fullerton’s leadership has been the establishment of Suntory Oceania, a collaboration between Suntory Global Spirits and Frucor Suntory.  

Set to become the fourth-largest beverage player in the Oceania region, the partnership integrates manufacturing, sales, and distribution across Suntory’s licensed and non-alcohol portfolios. 

At the heart of this transformation is the construction of a cutting-edge AU$400 million (US$260.8 million) manufacturing facility in Swansea, Queensland.  

The facility, touted as the largest single FMCG investment in Australia in over a decade, features advanced production capabilities, including a high-speed glass line and two canning lines capable of filling 180,000 cans per hour.  

With a storage capacity exceeding 50,000 pallets, the site’s alcohol production is expected to commence by mid-2025. 

As Fullerton prepares for his advisory role, he expressed confidence in the company’s future: “The creation of Suntory Oceania firmly positions the business for a strong and successful future, built on a foundation of Suntory’s ambitious Yatte Minahare spirit. I know the team will continue to thrive.” 

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