Deborah Cooper, Sales Director (non-licensed) - New Zealand, Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, studied marketing and accounting at university as she was keen to understand how brands were built, particularly in the FMCG industry.
When Cooper got her first job in sales as a Territory Manager at Fonterra, she discovered how much she loved the pace, delivery, and accountability, and has remained on the sales side of FMCG ever since.
After her first year, the business supported her to complete a master's in marketing while working full‑time. She then moved from Sydney to Melbourne to take on an Account Executive role, and two years later, decided to take a year off to travel overseas.
When Cooper returned, she spent five years across several roles at Frucor, moved to DB’s Australian subsidiary, Drinkworks, and returned to Frucor Suntory as Head of Grocery four years later.
Having spent two years in the role, Cooper took parental leave, became the Head of Petrol and Convenience, and, two years later, was appointed Sales Director for New Zealand. This role has been extremely dynamic, with new challenges and opportunities every day.
“My wife and I relocated to New Zealand with our four children in November 2024, and we absolutely love it here,” she added.
Cooper has been inspired by many female leaders in the industry who have paved their own paths to senior roles or to running their own businesses, particularly those who have done so while raising children.
She said these women have shown her that it’s possible to advance one’s career while also building a family. She highlighted that the most important thing to remember is not to compromise on one’s priorities.
“Try always to say yes, knowing that there is a chance that it may not work out, rather than saying no and never knowing if it could have,” said Cooper.
“Back yourself and don’t wait for someone else to drive your career. You need to be the one leading your development and where you want to take your career.”
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