Constellation Brands Taps Former Suntory Exec as CEO

Why It Matters

Fink’s appointment signals Constellation’s intent to revitalize its premium‑beer portfolio and capture new consumer segments amid shifting market dynamics, directly impacting shareholder value and competitive positioning.

Key Takeaways

• Fink joins as CEO effective April 13, 2026
• Former Suntory strategist brings global beverage expertise
• Constellation aims to boost Pacifico distribution
• Beer revenue fell 10% despite outperformance
• Hispanic consumer decline pressures Modelo, Corona sales

Pulse Analysis

The leadership change at Constellation Brands reflects a broader trend of beverage companies seeking executives with cross‑border experience. Nicholas Fink’s résumé—spanning strategic roles at Suntory and a decade at Fortune Brands Innovation—offers a rare blend of global market insight and operational rigor. His tenure on Constellation’s board for five years provides intimate knowledge of the firm’s multi‑category model, positioning him to steer the company through a "hyper‑competitive" environment where premium imports must balance tariff pressures with evolving consumer tastes.

Constellation’s recent financials reveal a 10% year‑over‑year revenue dip, yet its beer segment outperformed industry averages. The decline is partly attributed to waning demand for Mexican staples like Modelo and Corona among Hispanic shoppers, a demographic hit by immigration enforcement actions. Simultaneously, Anheuser‑Busch’s Michelob Ultra has eclipsed Modelo in volume, underscoring the volatility of legacy brands. By focusing on higher‑margin, imported offerings, Constellation has insulated itself from broader beer market slumps, but it now faces the challenge of reinvigorating growth without relying on shrinking consumer bases.

Looking ahead, Fink is expected to double down on expanding Pacifico, the No. 2 beer in California that resonates with younger, more diverse drinkers. Strengthening Pacifico’s national footprint could offset losses in traditional Mexican brands and diversify revenue streams. Moreover, Fink’s background in multi‑category strategy may accelerate Constellation’s push into adjacent categories such as ready‑to‑drink cocktails and premium wines, aligning with industry shifts toward convenience and premiumization. Investors will be watching how quickly the new CEO translates his global perspective into tangible top‑line growth and margin expansion.

Constellation Brands taps former Suntory exec as CEO

Nicholas Fink, who has served on Constellation’s board, takes the top spot in April · By Laurel Deppen · Published Feb. 13, 2026

Modelo and Corona owner Constellation Brands appointed board member and former Suntory executive Nicholas Fink as its next president and CEO, effective April 13. He succeeds Bill Newlands, who is stepping down from the role and the company’s board of directors.

Newlands, who worked at Constellation Brands for more than a decade and has been CEO since 2019, will stay with the company as a strategic advisor through the transition. The company credited Newlands with helping Constellation Brands reshape the company’s wine portfolio and grow Modelo to the No. 1‑selling beer in the U.S.—though Anheuser‑Busch’s Michelob Ultra recently dethroned the brand in terms of volume.

Fink will join Constellation after a 10‑year tenure at Fortune Brands Innovation, a home‑security company. But he is not new to the alcohol sector. Prior to Fortune, Fink spent nine years at alcohol giant Suntory, holding positions including chief strategy officer and president of Asia Pacific and South America, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Constellation is tapping Fink to position the company for long‑term growth amid a “hyper‑competitve environment,” crediting him with a history of leading public multi‑category businesses “that evolve with changing consumer demands.” He has been on Constellation’s board for the past five years, giving him an understanding of the company’s business model, said Chris Baldwin, chair of Constellation Brands’ board.

“Nick will bring unique perspective and capabilities that will benefit Constellation and its stakeholders as we position the company for long‑term success in a rapidly evolving and hyper‑competitive environment,” Baldwin said in a statement.

Constellation’s beer portfolio is primarily focused on imported and premium offerings, which has insulated it from some larger beer market slumps but has created other cost headwinds like tariffs. It’s also seen declines in Mexican brands including Modelo and Corona as demand among Hispanic consumers plummets amid deportation threats and ICE raids.

The company is hoping to replicate its success with Modelo by building up distribution of fast‑growing Pacifico, which is the No. 2 brand in California and resonates with younger consumers.

In Constellation Brands’ most recently reported quarter, total revenue for the third quarter ending Nov. 30 was $2.2 billion, a 10 % decrease from the previous year. Despite the declines, executives said its beer business outperformed the rest of the industry.