Messina will take up the role on 25 April, reporting to chief executive Matt Shattock.
She is currently senior vice president, marketing and innovation, ventures and emerging brands at Coke.
Messina has been at the soft drinks company since graduating from Miami University, Ohio in 1994, holding a series of marketing roles there including director for marketing capability, Europe and Eurasia; and vice president, global marketing capability and integration.
In her new role, Messina will have responsibility for a portfolio of spirits brands that includes Jim Beam, Courvoisier and a number of Scotch, Japanese and American whiskeys.
Shattock described Messina as a "dynamic, growth-oriented leader".
"We’re delighted that she will join Beam Suntory to lead our global marketing and strengthen the function to deliver industry-leading, market-beating growth," he said.
"With experience as a global brand marketer, leader of fast-growing entrepreneurial premium brands and a leading developer of marketing capability, Rebecca will be a perfect fit for us as we pursue our ambitious growth objectives."
Messina’s exit from Coke follows that of its president, sparkling brands & strategic marketing Wendy Clark, who became chief exec of DDB Worldwide in January.
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