Soft drinks manufacturer Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I has announced Elise Seibold has been appointed its new chief operating officer on a permanent basis.
Seibold had been acting as interim COO since Carol Robert left to join Suntory Global Spirits in July. She will take up the position officially from 1 November.
Seibold joined Suntory Group in 2004 as an assistant brand manager for Schweppes and has progressed through the ranks at the Lucozade and Ribena brand owner.
In her most recent role as marketing director in the UK & Ireland, Seibold was responsible for the launch of ‘Blucozade’ and the accompanying ‘Lucozade masterbrand’ platform, as well as sealing a brand sponsorship for Liverpool FC and relaunching Ribena’s famous ‘berries’ characters, SBF GB&I said.
She also oversaw the launch of –196, SBF GB&I’s first foray into alcoholic RTDs.
“For the last 20 years, Elise has been an integral part of our Suntory team, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication,” said SBF Europe CEO Pierre Decroix. “She has great international experience, having lived in Spain, France and Great Britain, and brings extensive experience in multiple roles both at a local level in sales and marketing, as well as internationally.”
Seibold added: “I am honoured to step into the role of chief operating officer of the UK & Ireland, and to lead our incredible team.
“My incoming priorities are continuing to drive innovation in all that we do while striving for operational excellence and pursue a relentless commitment to serving our customers, consumers and the community while living our value of Growing for Good.
“I look forward to carrying on the great work from my predecessor, Carol Robert, and harnessing the talents of our people who work across the UK & Ireland business.”
Seibold’s appointment comes as SBF GB&I looks to bounce back from a challenging year blighted by supply shortages on the Lucozade brand.
Industrial action at the supplier’s Coleford factory in Gloucestershire in February, followed by a shutdown in production after the death of a worker at the site in April, led to widespread shortages across Lucozade SKUs in the spring.
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