Welcome to Beam Suntory
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“My passion was always in whisky, as a Scot it’s in my blood. Keen to get a foothold in the industry, I started off as a tour guide in Auchentoshan Distillery in 2011. I spent my days taking whisky lovers around the distillery, teaching them about whisky production and the history of the distillery. I loved it and was lucky enough to move into a variety of commercial roles within Beam Suntory, which has led me to a senior role in Travel Retail.
Coming from working in pubs in 2010 to looking after 30% of the total GTR business has been an amazing journey but one that brought on moments of self-doubt which I think stems from my struggle with anxiety from an early age. I would always appear confident and polished in work even when I didn’t feel that way at home. About five years ago, I started to have a tough time with my mental health. After trying to navigate things on my own, I finally decided to open up to my manager, Simon, about what was going on. His supportive and non-judgmental response gave me the confidence to be honest with myself and open up to my peers as well.
That’s when I realized people’s reactions weren’t as scary as I thought they were going to be, and people were very supportive. I became an ally for my colleagues who might be going through something similar. I think by creating an open dialogue, we can create a common language and normalize discussing mental health at work. I’m now an advocate to my friends, colleagues, and neighbors. It's something I'm hugely passionate about. The more you talk about it, the less scary it becomes.
For anyone who’s struggling: Find people who you can confide in and use the resources we have at Beam Suntory. It can feel scary but there are professionals who can help and colleagues who care about you more than you know. As I continue my own journey, I want to become a stronger ally and pass on the knowledge I’ve gained from my eleven years and counting at Beam Suntory, including navigating challenges with mental health.”
- Alasdair (Ally) Dickinson, Key Accounts Director, United Kingdom
Chicago, 18 July, Beam Suntory, along with Edrington, has reached an agreement to sell the Maxxium Russia joint venture business to the local management team. After suspending shipments to Russia following the invasion of Ukraine in early March, we began reviewing approaches to the future of the Russia business.
We determined that the best way to exit the market was through a sale of the Russia joint venture to the local management team, and we wish our respected former colleagues the best with the future direction of the company.
Shipments from Beam Suntory will remain suspended as we continue to abide by all applicable laws including international sanctions.
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By Lisa Bertagnoli
With concern mounting about climbing global temperatures, companies are devoting considerable resources to the "E"—environmental—of ESG. These executives across the Chicago area lead their organizations' efforts to keep climate change in check, including planning and implementing actions as well as recording and reporting data to stakeholders of all kinds. Among their strategies: diverting tons of material from landfills; establishing neighborhood-level power grids that integrate renewable energy; assessing the climate risk of real estate portfolios; creating green investment funds; working toward decarbonization through the construction of all-electric multifamily housing or reducing the embodied carbon in concrete; and countering the environmental impact of factory farming. Their work—fingers crossed—will help make Earth a livable place for generations to come.
Kim Marotta oversees the company's long-term environmental commitments, which are anchored in reducing its water, climate, forest, biodiversity and packaging footprints while establishing a positive societal impact. Key goals include surpassing net zero emissions across the entire value chain, 100% watershed replenishment, working only with suppliers that use sustainable practices and using 60% recycled materials by weight across the packaging portfolio. In partnership with Suntory Holdings, Marotta's team has developed carbon emission reduction targets that align with the Paris Climate Accord and have been verified against the 1.5-degree Celsius pathway set forth by the Science Based Target Initiative. The company is also implementing regenerative agriculture practices with Kentucky corn growers, European barley farmers and Tequila agave growers.
“Growing up, I watched my grandmother build several local businesses and restaurants in Mérida, Spain, from the ground up. I adopted a lot of my core values from her and learned the importance of surrounding yourself with people, especially those who will support you.
I started my career in Chemistry, and at times it was isolating. It felt like something was missing. When I reflected on the values my grandmother instilled in me, I realized my desire to connect with people wasn’t being fulfilled. That’s when I decided to go back to school and get my master’s in Business Administration and Organizational Management. After completing the program, I began my journey in the world of Human Resources (HR).
I now feel fulfilled with my role in HR because I get to connect with the global Beam Suntory team and help build the culture in the Madrid office while providing solutions for recruitment, including hiring diverse talent. When I first got to Beam Suntory, we didn’t have a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) team in the international region. So, we created one and I stepped up as leader of the LGBTQ+ workstream. It became a passion project of mine as I feel diversity is a key pillar in every organization.
Since I began working within the HR DEI space, we’ve seen so much more diversity in the international region in terms of race, gender, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and candidates with different backgrounds in general. A future goal of mine is to help grow a more inclusive culture across our global regions -- it’s important not to limit change.
One of the many phrases that I live by is ‘Sin Limites’ which means no limits or boundaries. It’s a saying that reminds me of my grandmother, who knew what she wanted and didn’t limit herself when it came to building her life and businesses. This saying adds value to my life every day and allows me to embrace and build my future without limits.”
- Luis Alfonso Dugarte Rangel, Talent Acquisition Lead EMEA, Madrid, Spain
Turo is a 16-year veteran of Beam Suntory who most recently led the U.S. East region
CHICAGO, June 29, 2022 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, has named Dave Turo as U.S. Chief Commercial Officer. Turo will be responsible for managing the P&L for Beam Suntory’s U.S. commercial business, including managing distributor and customer relationships and delivering sustainable, profitable growth within the U.S. – the company’s largest market globally. Turo will continue the company’s sharp focus on premiumization, which has been key to Beam Suntory’s recent performance in the U.S. market.
“The U.S. has an outsized impact on Beam Suntory’s business, and it requires a skilled leader at the helm” said Greg Hughes, President, North America. “Throughout his 16-year tenure with the business, Dave’s experience across our marketing and commercial organizations has instilled depth and breadth of knowledge about our business that made him the right choice to lead our U.S. team.”
Turo brings more than 25 years of commercial and marketing experience to this role. He has held positions of increasing responsibility since joining Beam Suntory in 2006, first joining as Marketing Director for the West Coast Division. Since that time, Turo has held additional roles in marketing and commercial, including time as Divisional VP in Mexico, and most recently serving as Regional General Manger, East Geographic Business Unit, which represents the largest region in the U.S. Prior to joining Beam Suntory, he held marketing and business development roles across Allied Domecq and The Coca-Cola Company.
To further support the U.S. business, Beam Suntory also announced Regan O’Kon as VP, On Premise. O’Kon returns to Beam Suntory after nine years with Campari America and will be responsible for driving Beam Suntory’s on-premise mid- and long-term growth strategies.
Turo succeeds Carlo Coppola, who has been named Managing Director, James B. Beam Distilling Co. Brand House. Turo’s appointment is effective July 1, and he will report to Hughes. O’Kon will report to Turo upon his promotion.
About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark® bourbon brands and Courvoisier® cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, and Legent™ bourbon; Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™ Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore® Scotch whisky; Canadian Club® whisky; Hornitos® and Sauza® tequila; EFFEN®, Haku® and Pinnacle® vodka; Sipsmith® and Roku™ gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.
©2022 Beam Suntory, Inc. Chicago, IL.
Coppola brings commercial experience to role leading Beam Suntory’s biggest brand
CHICAGO, June 27, 2022 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, has named company veteran Carlo Coppola Managing Director of the James B. Beam Distilling Co. Brand House. In this role, Coppola will oversee long-term plans for the Beam family of brands, including Jim Beam®, Knob Creek®, Basil Hayden® and Booker’s® bourbons, managing the end-to-end P&L, as well as marketing, pricing, liquid allocation, while partnering with markets to effectively position the family of brands to consumers globally.
“Beam Suntory is building global brands that consumers love, and our Brand House Managing Directors play a critical role in that journey,” said Jessica Spence, President of Brands at Beam Suntory. “As the James B. Beam Distilling Co. strengthens its leadership in American whisky, I’m thrilled that we have such strong, experienced and innovative leader taking the helm.”
A 15-year company veteran, Coppola most recently served as the Chief Commercial Officer for Beam Suntory in the U.S., its largest market. Under his leadership, the U.S. has continually delivered strong results, posting robust growth particularly at the premium end of the portfolio.
As Managing Director of Beam Suntory’s largest brand, Coppola’s role includes not only the global marketing and long-term planning for the Brand House, but also the recently reimagined homeplace, representing a $60 million investment, which includes the Fred B. Noe Distillery. Coppola’s appointment is effective July 1, and he will be based in New York City.
Coppola will report to Spence.
About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark® bourbon brands and Courvoisier® cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, and Legent™ bourbon; Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™ Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore® Scotch whisky; Canadian Club® whisky; Hornitos® and Sauza® tequila; EFFEN®, Haku® and Pinnacle® vodka; Sipsmith® and Roku™ gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.
©2022 Beam Suntory, Inc. Chicago, IL.
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Industry veteran Zsoka McDonald joins company in newly created role, Brett Hale expands remit
CHICAGO, June 21, 2022 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, has named Zsoka McDonald as Chief Communications Officer and Brett Hale as Chief Public Affairs officer, to support the company’s premiumization agenda, focused on driving long-term, sustainable growth through consumer centricity, quality craftsmanship, immersive storytelling and executional excellence.
McDonald, an industry veteran, joins Beam Suntory in this newly-created role overseeing all global internal, external and sustainability communications as well as brand PR for the company. Hale, who has led Public Affairs for the company since joining in 2016, has been promoted to Chief Public Affairs Officer. In this expanded global role, Hale will also advise parent company Suntory Holdings of Japan on geopolitical and market-access issues.
“As we pursue our ambitious growth goals, these talented leaders will play a critical role in setting our brands and business up for success as we communicate and engage with stakeholders on issues critical to our industry,” said Clarkson Hine, SVP-Corporate Communications & Public Affairs. “These senior leadership appointments demonstrate the important role of corporate affairs and communications at Beam Suntory, and Brett and Zsoka bring the leadership and experience that will help take our capabilities to the next level.”
McDonald, who held a series of communications roles at Diageo during her 15 years at the company, has extensive experience in promoting, protecting and enhancing corporate reputation in highly regulated sectors. Most recently, she served as Chief Sustainability Officer & Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications at AVANGRID, a publicly-traded clean energy company where she led all aspects of corporate reputation, brand, external and internal communications, and established the company’s sustainability organization and ESG strategic direction.
During his tenure at Beam Suntory, Hale has made a meaningful impact in elevating and promoting Beam Suntory’s global public affairs interests. Prior to Beam Suntory, Hale served as Vice President of public affairs for Yum! Brands, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Churchill Downs, and Vice President of the American Gaming Association. He additionally served in a number of legislative roles in Washington, D.C., including as Chief of Staff for then U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY).
McDonald and Hale report to Hine. McDonald is based in New York City and Hale remains based in Kentucky.
About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark® bourbon brands and Courvoisier® cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, and Legent™ bourbon; Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™ Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore® Scotch whisky; Canadian Club® whisky; Hornitos® and Sauza® tequila; EFFEN®, Haku® and Pinnacle® vodka; Sipsmith® and Roku™ gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.
Past meets present as Aston Martin designed, futuristic vessel unites with one of the oldest Bowmore whiskies.
June 13, 2022 – Crafted with consideration over decades, Bowmore® has an inherent appreciation as to how each moment comes to bear on the character of the whisky, and how time past has shaped today. Rooted in intentionality, we make our whiskies this way on purpose, shaping every drop, adding depth and distinction of flavour to shape our multi-dimensional single malt.
It is this precise ethos which has stimulated and imagined our latest creation – a true coming together of heritage and innovation. At its heart, this is a celebration of how, along with ultra-luxury British brand, Aston Martin, we strive for constant evolution and ingenuity to provoke, inspire and excite.
Bowmore ARC-52 is the story of ground-breaking Aston Martin design bringing to life a striking decanter, unlike anything ever seen before, containing one of our oldest ever Bowmore whiskies. Never before have we showcased our inspiring partnership through such absolute innovation and collaborative creativity to bring our worlds together so boldly and definitively.
In its physical form, this is an ingenious object; half Bowmore, half Aston Martin, travelling in two directions at the same time, exploring the ideals of balance, capturing perfect stability combined with definitive intensity. It is this concept of balance which defines every aspect of ARC-52. Taking the very same approach to achieving balance and optimal form when designing an Aston Martin, this vessel calls on these exacting principles from the latest 3D printing to hand crafted clay modelling in realising its form.
The cutting-edge engineering of Aston Martin combined with the unfaltering attention to detail and craftsmanship of Bowmore has made ARC-52 a reality. Bringing these two worlds together has not been without challenge and has seen considerable time invested to realise the vision. From the meticulously engineered, bespoke magnetic key which releases the striking aluminium top almost by magic, whilst maintaining the sleek, clean lines to the individually, hand blown glass, this is design on a different scale.
Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin, said, “ARC–52 sits at the apex of our partnership, truly showing the depth of what we can create collaboratively. We set out to produce something which hasn’t been seen before, capturing our uncompromised design principles and also the magnificence of the whisky. I believe that what we have created is truly a piece of sculpture. Taking balance as the most important factor, as we do in designing Aston Martin cars, we’ve harnessed heritage and innovation in perfect balance. For me there is just so much to discover with this whisky as it embodies so much hidden knowledge and even the colour looks like it’s been created by time.”
Ron Welsh, Master Blender, Bowmore, said “A Bowmore as exquisite and complex as this 52 year old is testament to the skills of our distillery team and their commitment to optimising the time spent in cask to create such an incredible spirit. With ARC-52 the complexity of this single malt is unquestionable and to achieve such perfect balance not only defines its physical form but unites beautifully in every drop of this stunning whisky. Working with Aston Martin remains hugely rewarding and fascinating for me. It continues to inspire and show us a different way of working, with absolute precision, and has allowed us to create what, in my opinion, is the best Bowmore over 50 years old that I’ve ever tasted.”
Matured for a remarkable 52 years in a marriage of two cask styles, married in two exact parts - 50% for an American Oak Hogshead and 50% from a European Oak Butt This single malt promises unquestionable complexity but is perfectly balanced by bringing together these individual styles in equal parts. Timelessly capturing the classic Bowmore character as it signals the crescendo with herbal and medicinal notes combined with exotic fruits, praline and butterscotch to finish.
Creamy and fruity aromas of vanilla and custard cream are carefully balanced with peach, pear, kumquat, mandarin, a hint of guava with herbal notes of fresh mint and eucalyptus On the palate this continues to evolve as flavours of green grapes and peach melba, clementine, lime zest merge seamlessly alongside nutty notes of almond and hazelnuts, whilst tobacco leaves give way to a subtle peat ash and buttery character.
The first in a new inspiring Series, just 100 decanters of ARC-52 will be available in key global markets including UK, Germany, Netherlands, USA, Canada, China, Singapore, and Global Travel Retail at an RSP of US$75,000 (ex VAT/duty) from late Summer 2022.
www.bowmore.com
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Notes To Editors:
CASK TYPES: European Oak Sherry Butt and ex-Bourbon American Oak Hogshead
AGE: 52 Years Old, 1968
ABV: 42.3%
100 BOTTLES
Tasting notes
ON THE EYE: Deep burnished gold.
BREATHE IN: Creamy and fruity with notes of vanilla and custard cream but also peach, pear, kumquat, mandarin, a hint of guava with herbal notes of fresh mint and eucalyptus.
TASTE: Sweet, fruity and citric with flavour of green grapes and peach melba, clementine, lime zest but also nutty notes of almond and hazelnuts, tobacco leaves with a lightly peaty ashy and buttery character.
SAVOUR: Herbal and medicinal with exotic fruits, praline and butterscotch note
ABOUT BOWMORE®
For over 240 years, the Bowmore Distillery has been capturing the essence of Islay from the shores of its remote island home. Shaped by centuries of skill and tradition, Bowmore’s single malt harnesses the power of this time in every single drop, defined by the past and savoured in the present.
Time is defining at Bowmore® and we tirelessly harness the power of time to shape our whiskies. Our distillery’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of our fruity and smoky single malts. Today, we are amongst one of a few distilleries which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by a traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery. Water for the whiskies is specially drawn from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones – the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln.
Bowmore® Distillery's proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of its spirit and gives a hint of sea air to the character. The legendary Bowmore® No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the vault's sea-facing wall.
Matured in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry, or claret, over time developing rich and mellow flavours until the expertise of our whisky makers deems them ready for bottling. It is this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people, and tradition that makes Bowmore the exceptional single malt it is today.
Time is marked on each and every bottle of Bowmore, proudly and boldly as a marker of where and when each one’s journey began. This is our story of time. This is Bowmore; the Art of Time since 1779.
www.bowmore.com
ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark® bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier® cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek®, Basil Hayden’s® and Legent™ bourbon; Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™ Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore® Scotch whisky; Canadian Club® whisky; Hornitos® and Sauza® tequila; EFFEN®, Haku® and Pinnacle® vodka; Sipsmith® and Roku™ gin; and On The Rocks® Premium Cocktails.
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.
© 2022 Beam Suntory, Inc., Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60654
ABOUT ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA
Aston Martin Lagonda is a luxury automotive group focused on the creation of exclusive cars and SUVs. The iconic Aston Martin brand fuses the latest technology, exceptional hand craftsmanship and timeless design to produce models including the Vantage, DB11, DBS Superleggera and the new SUV, DBX. Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates and exports cars which are sold in 51 countries around the world.
Lagonda was founded in 1899 and Aston Martin in 1913. The two brands came together in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown.
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