At the helm: Vanessa Widmann to lead Suntory Global Spirits’ travel retail business for MEA effective 1 Sep 2026

Based in Singapore, Widmann will be responsible for developing the company’s global travel retail business while also overseeing commercial strategy across the Middle East and Africa.

Suntory Global Spirits has appointed Vanessa Widmann (pictured above) as Managing Director of Global Travel Retail (GTR), Middle East & Africa, effective 1 September 2026.

Widmann, who will be based in Singapore, joins the premium spirits group from Moët Hennessy, where she most recently served as Managing Director Travel Retail APAC. In her new role, she will report to Carol Robert, President International at Suntory Global Spirits, and join the company’s International Leadership Team.

Her appointment brings more than two decades of experience across global retail, luxury and travel retail. Widmann’s career has taken her through senior commercial and consumer-facing roles in Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Americas, including positions at Levi Strauss & Co., Victoria’s Secret, Coach, and LVMH Beauty.

At Suntory Global Spirits, she will be responsible for developing the company’s global travel retail business while also overseeing commercial strategy across the Middle East and Africa. The brief will include working closely with customers and strategic partners, and focus on accelerating sustainable growth, elevating consumer experiences and further strengthening the company's portfolio across international travel retail.

Sharing her excitement on Widmann's appointment, Carol shared: "I'm delighted to welcome Vanessa to Suntory Global Spirits."

She added: "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."

Sharing her own views, Widmann said: "I'm honoured 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.

"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 travelling consumers."

Widmann succeeds Ashish Gandham, who left the GTR division earlier this year following his appointment as Managing Director, Suntory Global Spirits – Oceania. In the interim, General Manager CoE GTR and MEA Ashish Sagar will continue to lead the business until Widmann joins in September.

"I would also like to thank Ashish Sagar for his outstanding leadership during this transition," added Carol. "Ashish has led the business with real energy, commitment and care, ensuring continuity for our people, our customers and our partners.

"I'm grateful for everything he has done to maintain the strong momentum in GTR and for his continued support as we welcome Vanessa to the business."

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Image: Suntory Global Spirits Linkedin