Soft drinks manufacturer Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I), has announced Elise Seibold as Chief Operating Officer, effective November 1. Elise will also join the executive committee of regional group, Suntory Beverage & Food Europe, and will report into Chief Executive Officer, Pierre Decroix.
Elise joined the Suntory Group in 2004 as Schweppes' assistant brand manager and has progressed through the organisation holding several international roles across brand marketing, commercial and innovation. Most recently Elise has served as marketing director for UK and Ireland. Under her leadership she has orchestrated the strategic move to Lucozade masterbrand, launched impactful campaigns including a new Lucozade advert starring Jude Bellingham, enhanced brand presence in our heartland of football with the sponsoring of Liverpool FC, and the re-launch of Ribena’s iconic “Berries”. She has also overseen the launch of -196, the company’s first move into the ready-to-drink alcohol category.
Elise lives in the UK and is married with one daughter. She believes in the power of collective thinking and making the most out of a diverse group of people. She defines herself as “a cultural melting pot” coming from experiences gained personally and professionally.
“I am honoured to step into the role of chief operating officer of the UK and Ireland, and to lead our incredible team into the next phase of growth," said Seibold. "I like to say that I was born and raised in Suntory having been with the company for most of my professional life. 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 and Ireland business.”
Commenting on the appointment, Pierre Decroix, Chief Executive Officer for Suntory Beverage & Food Europe said, “For the last twenty years, Elise has been an integral part of our Suntory team, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication. 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, including category expansion and director of the Schweppes brand sold in mainland Europe.”
Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I is well-known for its iconic brands such as Lucozade Energy, Lucozade Sport, Ribena and Orangina. In 2023 the company reported an annual turnover of £543m. With headquarters in London, the company operates one manufacturing site in Coleford, Gloucestershire and employs 695 people across UK and Ireland.
