Carlo Coppola is James B. Beam Distilling Co.’s new managing director. (Photo: Beam Suntory)

Update (June 30): Beam Suntory names Dave Turo as US Chief Commercial Officer

Beam Suntory on Wednesday announced its replacement for Carlo Coppola, who on Monday was named managing director of James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Coppola’s role of U.S. chief commercial officer is being filled by Dave Turo, who will take over July 1. Turo has been with Beam Suntory since 2006, most recently leading the U.S. East region.

“The U.S. has an outsized impact on Beam Suntory’s business, and it requires a skilled leader at the helm,” said Greg Hughes, President, North America. “Throughout his 16-year tenure with the business, Dave’s experience across our marketing and commercial organizations has instilled depth and breadth of knowledge about our business that made him the right choice to lead our U.S. team.”

Beam Suntory also announced Regan O’Kon as VP, on premise. O’Kon returns to Beam Suntory after nine years with Campari America and will be responsible for driving Beam Suntory’s on-premise mid- and long-term growth strategies.

Original story (June 27) follows:

Spirits giant Beam Suntory on Monday named Carlo Coppola managing director of James B. Beam Distilling Co. In this role, Coppola will oversee long-term plans for the Beam family of brands, including Jim Beam, Knob Creek, Basil Hayden and Booker’s, managing the financials, marketing, pricing, liquid allocation and more.

“Beam Suntory is building global brands that consumers love, and our Brand House Managing Directors play a critical role in that journey,” Jessica Spence, president of brands at Beam Suntory, said in a news release. “As the James B. Beam Distilling Co. strengthens its leadership in American whisky, I’m thrilled that we have such strong, experienced and innovative leader taking the helm.”

Coppola has spent 15 years at the company, most recently as chief commercial officer for Beam Suntory in the U.S., the company’s largest market.

As managing director of Beam Suntory’s largest brand, Coppola will handle the marketing and planning for the company’s recently reimagined distilling and tourism space, a $60 million investment, which includes the Fred B. Noe Distillery. Coppola’s appointment will become effective July 1, and he will be based in New York City.

Beam said it will name Coppola’s successor this week.

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