Beam Suntory appoints Zsoka McDonald Chief Comms Officer

Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, has named Zsoka McDonald as Chief Communications Officer and Brett Hale as Chief Public Affairs officer, to support the company’s premiumization agenda, focused on driving long-term, sustainable growth through consumer centricity, quality craftsmanship, immersive storytelling and executional excellence.

"Welcome Zsoka McDonald to the newly-created role Chief Communications Officer at Beam Suntory! And congratulations to Brett Hale, who has been promoted to Chief Public Affairs Officer," said Beam Suntory.

An industry veteran

Zsoka is an industry veteran, joins Beam Suntory in this newly-created role overseeing all global internal, external and sustainability communications as well as brand PR for the company. Brett, who has led Public Affairs for the company since joining in 2016, has been promoted to Chief Public Affairs Officer. In this expanded global role, Brett will also advise parent company Suntory Holdings of Japan on geopolitical and market-access issues.

“As we pursue our ambitious growth goals, these talented leaders will play a critical role in setting our brands and business up for success as we communicate and engage with stakeholders on issues critical to our industry,” said Clarkson Hine, SVP-Corporate Communications & Public Affairs. “These senior leadership appointments demonstrate the important role of corporate affairs and communications at Beam Suntory, and Brett and Zsoka bring the leadership and experience that will help take our capabilities to the next level.”

Extensive experience

Zsoka held a series of communications roles at Diageo during her 15 years at the company, has extensive experience in promoting, protecting and enhancing corporate reputation in highly regulated sectors.

Zsoka joins Beam Suntory from her position as Chief Sustainability Officer & Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications at AVANGRID where she was very active as a women's equality advocate and led all aspects of corporate reputation, brand, external and internal communications, and established the company’s sustainability organization and Envoronment, Social and Governance (ESG) strategic direction.