Richard Oppy scores top marketing job at AB InBev

Richard Oppy has been appointed Global VP for Global Brands at AB InBev, including Corona, Stella Artois and Budweiser.

Currently AB InBev’s Vice President Marketing, Asia Pacific South, Oppy 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, commencing January 1, 2019, which will see him lead the world-wide marketing for some of the biggest beer brands in the world.

"I'm obviously over the moon and humbled by this amazing opportunity," Oppy 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.

“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.”

Oppy 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.

He 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.

CUB noted in a statement that Oppy's "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."

Oppy's innovations include Great Northern, Carlton Dry, the Yaks, Carlton Draught Tank Beer and Pure Blonde Cider. 

“At a time when other consumer goods companies have cut costs, we have invested in innovation and fuelled growth," Oppy said.