Suntory Beverage & Food Europe announces new Chief Commercial Excellence Officer- Scott Meredith Joins the Executive Committee at SBFE –

London, March 2023 – Suntory Beverage & Food Europe (SBFE), a division of Suntory, one of the world’s leading beverage companies with iconic brands such as Schweppes, Lucozade, Orangina and Oasis, has appointed Scott Meredith to the position of Chief Commercial Excellence Officer.

In this role, Scott will continue to partner with the different markets SBFE operates to lead Revenue Growth Management (RGM) priorities, with the addition of Route to Market (RTM). He will lead us through our Commercial Excellence Communities and networks to drive our “Grow the Top Line” strategic pillar

“Following our SBFE purpose of inspiring the brilliance of life by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature, we aim to understand our customers and deliver value that exceeds their expectations by using data and analytics.” – Scott Meredith.

Scott has a wealth of strategic expertise in commercial planning and revenue growth management. He has held the role of Revenue Growth Director for the Revenue Growth Management Centre of Excellence since 2019 and was integral to the success of the RGM transformation in SBFE. He has also led the sharing of best practices across the global SBF RGM community. Prior to leading RGM, Scott held several leadership roles within the UK Sales team, and successfully performed the role of Sales Director for three years.

Scott will report to Peter Harding, CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Europe, and is also a part of the SBFE ExCom Team. He will be based in the company’s London office.

We asked Scott about his career journey and what advice he would give to future leaders.

What are the challenges you faced in your leadership journey?

Self-awareness. We hear a lot about the importance of self-awareness but having the confidence and desire to unlock your true potential is much harder than it sounds! To be successful in leadership, you have to deeply understand your own strengths and weaknesses and most importantly, be open to feedback to accelerate your personal growth. This was something I struggled with, but after a long resistance came to see that the most important thing we can receive is the gift of feedback!

Adaptability. Our internal and external environment is constantly changing. Something that works today may not work tomorrow, and vice versa. I have learnt one of the single most important success factors is our ability to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. Adaptability requires a willingness to learn, take risks, and pivot when necessary. Hold ideas lightly and always seek advice and guidance from a diverse and varied group of people.

What actions from the management team would solve these challenges for yourself and future leaders?

Encourage mentorship and coaching. You can pair future leaders with experienced mentors and coaches to provide critical early guidance and support in key areas. The value for both the mentor and mentee is immense, as not only it creates an effective learning pathway, but it also forms deep personal connections that will form the foundations of the organisational DNA.

Create a culture of feedback, learning & continuous improvement. Failure is an option, but fear is not! By creating a culture of constant learning and improvement, where feedback is encouraged, and mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth, we can encourage and inspire people to be brave and bold and pioneer new ideas and ways of working. A growth mindset supported by continual agile learning becomes the foundation of our future success.

Foster a diverse and inclusive workplace. We have to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where different perspectives and backgrounds are valued and leveraged.

What advice would you give to future leaders for their career journey?

Build strong relationships. Leadership is all about people, and building strong relationships with employees, colleagues, and stakeholders is key to success. Take the time to get to know people, understand their perspectives, and build trust.

Stay true to your values. Being authentic by staying true to your values and principles will create better, deeper connections and ultimately build long-lasting trust and respect. Identify your core values and let them guide your decision-making and actions.

Be a lifelong learner. The world is constantly changing, and as a leader, you need to stay up-to-date with new developments and emerging trends. Make learning a habit and seek opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge.

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About Suntory Beverage & Food Europe
Suntory Beverage & Food Europe (SBFE) was established in 2014 and is one of five regional divisions of the Japan-based Suntory Group, one of the leading global drinks companies. We’re proud to be part of a family-owned business with its inspiring 120-year heritage and we are guided by Shinjiro Torii’s founding spirit. SBFE is made up of 3,300 passionate people working throughout Europe on hugely iconic brands including Schweppes*, Orangina, Lucozade, Ribena, La Casera, Oasis*, Pulco and MayTea with a commitment to producing great-tasting, healthier drinks. As a corporation sustained by the gifts of nature and water, Suntory Group and SBFE will always protect the ecosystems that deliver water. Because its ecosystem is the wellspring, not only of its business and the rich experiences the group creates for people's lives, but also of human life itself. SBFE will continue to be a company where everyone is empowered with the freedom and flexibility to innovate. Through all of its corporate pursuits, Suntory seeks to inspire the brilliance of life.

*Owned and commercialized within SBFE respective territories
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