Global soft drinks manufacturer, Suntory Beverage & Food, has appointed a new chief operating officer to its Forest of Dean factory.
Makers of iconic drinks brands such as Ribena, Lucozade and Orangina and one of Gloucestershire's major employers, Elise Seibold joined Suntory 20 years ago as assistant brand manager and has worked her way up through the company in various roles within the firm's marketing, commercial and innovation teams.
In 2023, the company, which has headquarters in London and one manufacturing site in Coleford, reported an annual turnover of £543 million and currently employs 695 people across the UK and Ireland.
The promotion also sees Elise join the executive board for the regional arm of the international company, that was founded in Japan over 120 years ago.
In her most recent role, Elise served as marketing director for the UK and Ireland, leading on campaigns such as the new Lucozade advert starring England footballer, Jude Bellingham.
On her senior promotion, Elise said: '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.
'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.'
Pierre Decroix, CEO of 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.'
