Sameer Suneja: From building iconic candy brands to shaping global strategy

Suneja, currently Group CEO of Perfetti Van Melle, joins Samsonite Board

by e4m Staff
Published: Jun 23, 2026 8:01 PM | 1 min read

Sameer Suneja has been appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the board of Samsonite Group S.A., contributing over 30 years of experience in the consumer goods sector.
He is currently the Group CEO of Perfetti Van Melle, where he has held various leadership roles since joining nearly 30 years ago, including CEO since 2013.
Suneja has been instrumental in establishing and expanding iconic brands within the Perfetti portfolio, particularly in the Indian market, during a period of significant growth for the confectionery industry.
His previous experience includes brand management roles at Frito-Lay and Colgate-Palmolive, and his appointment is expected to enhance Samsonite's focus on consumer insights and brand development as the company expands its market presence.

Sameer Suneja has joined the board of Samsonite Group S.A. as an Independent Non-Executive Director, adding more than three decades of consumer goods experience to the luggage maker's leadership team.

Currently Group CEO of Perfetti Van Melle, Suneja has spent nearly 30 years with the confectionery company, holding a range of leadership roles across markets and functions. He took over as CEO in 2013 after serving in positions that included Executive Vice President for Global Innovations and Business Development and Managing Director for India.

During his tenure in India, Suneja played a pivotal role in establishing and scaling several iconic brands from the Perfetti portfolio. At a time when the confectionery market was still in its growth phase, he was instrumental in driving the company’s rapid expansion and helping it secure a dominant position in the candy category. He demonstrated bold leadership in marketing and advertising, introducing fresh and unconventional approaches that helped differentiate brands through sharp positioning and breakthrough creative campaigns.

Before joining Perfetti Van Melle, Suneja worked in brand management at Frito-Lay and Colgate-Palmolive, experiences that laid the foundation for a career centred on consumer insight, innovation and brand development.

His appointment comes as Samsonite continues to expand across markets and product categories. With experience spanning brand building, business growth and international operations, Suneja is expected to bring a valuable consumer-focused perspective to the board.