Carlton & United Breweries today announced that Richard Oppy, AB InBev’s Vice President Marketing, Asia Pacific South, has been appointed Global VP for Global Brands, including Corona, Stella Artois and Budweiser.
Richard is a born-and-bred Melburnian who has been with Carlton & United Breweries for almost 18 years. He will move to New York to take up the new role, which will see him lead the world-wide marketing for some of the biggest beer brands in the world.
Richard started at CUB in 2001 as an Assistant Brand Manager for VB and Carlton Mid and has since risen through the business in various marketing roles including CUB Marketing Director.
Richard was last year appointed VP Marketing, Asia Pacific South, a position that saw him head-up marketing for AB InBev in Australia, India and Southeast Asia. His time leading CUB’s marketing is marked by a strengthening of the business’ brands and a rebalancing of its portfolio, which has driven topline growth. Under Richard’s leadership CUB made big bold bets on the future, with the introduction of innovative new brands and products among his biggest achievements.
Richard’s innovations include Great Northern, Carlton Dry, the Yaks, Carlton Draught Tank Beer and Pure Blonde Cider. These initiatives and their marketing strategies have experienced enormous success and fuelled category growth.
Richard said he is “over the moon” and “humbled by this amazing opportunity”.
“At a time when other consumer goods companies have cut costs, we have invested in innovation and fuelled growth,” he said.
“As a passionate marketer and brand lover, I have to pinch myself when I think about being chosen to run some of the most loved brands globally out of New York with this incredible business.”
“The biggest challenge will be developing creative and platforms for the Global Brands that are relevant to both emerging and mature markets and maintaining global consistency.”
“It is great that the biggest consumer packaged goods business in the world is giving an Australian marketer the opportunity to lead their Global Brands which are the ‘crown jewels’ of the business.”
Richard will commence his new position in New York on 1 January 2019.