SAMEER SUNEJA JOINS SAMSONITE BOARD AS INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Perfetti Van Melle Group CEO Sameer Suneja has joined Samsonite Group S.A. as an independent non-executive director. With over two decades of FMCG and confectionery leadership, including roles at PepsiCo and Colgate-Palmolive, Suneja brings global brand-building expertise to strengthen Samsonite’s governance and strategic direction in the travel and lifestyle sector.

Perfetti Van Melle Group CEO Sameer Suneja has been appointed as an independent non-executive director on the Board of Samsonite Group S.A., marking a significant addition to the global luggage giant’s leadership. The announcement was shared by Suneja on LinkedIn, where he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I’m honoured to join the Board of Directors of Samsonite Group S.A. as an independent non-executive director.”  

Suneja currently serves as Group CEO and Executive Director of Perfetti Van Melle Group B.V., a role he has held since 2013. Over the past decade, he has steered the confectionery multinational through sustained growth and innovation, strengthening its global footprint across diverse markets. His appointment to Samsonite’s board underscores the company’s intent to leverage seasoned leadership from outside the travel and lifestyle sector, bringing fresh perspectives to its governance and strategic direction.  

Before taking on the Group CEO role, Suneja was Executive Vice President of Global Innovations and Business Development at Perfetti Van Melle Group B.V. between 2012 and 2013. His earlier tenure as Managing Director of Perfetti Van Melle India Pvt. Ltd. from 2008 to 2012 was marked by strong brand-building initiatives and market expansion in one of the company’s most dynamic regions. From 1997 to 2007, he held various leadership positions in marketing at Perfetti Van Melle India and later at Perfetti Van Melle S.p.A. in Italy, gaining deep expertise in consumer engagement and product innovation.  

Suneja’s career began in FMCG, with brand management roles at Frito-Lay India, a subsidiary of PepsiCo Inc., and Colgate-Palmolive Ltd. These formative years provided him with a strong foundation in consumer marketing, which he later applied to scale Perfetti Van Melle’s brands globally. His trajectory reflects a blend of local market insight and international leadership, qualities that align with Samsonite’s global ambitions.  

Samsonite, known for its premium luggage and travel accessories, has consistently sought to strengthen its board with leaders who bring diverse industry experience. Suneja’s appointment signals a strategic move to integrate consumer-centric thinking into Samsonite’s governance, complementing its focus on innovation, sustainability, and global expansion. His presence on the board is expected to enhance cross-industry collaboration and reinforce Samsonite’s positioning in an increasingly competitive travel and lifestyle market.  

With over two decades of leadership across FMCG and confectionery, Suneja’s addition to Samsonite’s board highlights the company’s commitment to broadening its strategic vision. His expertise in brand building, innovation, and global business development is likely to contribute significantly to Samsonite’s next phase of growth.