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NEW YORK, Jan. 5, 2023 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits with iconic brands such as Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®, today announced the appointment of Alex Alvarez as Chief Supply Chain Officer. In this role, Alvarez will be responsible for Beam Suntory’s global operations, including 19 distilleries and bottling plants, as well as the company's supply chain, procurement and quality functions. He succeeds David Hunter, who as previously announced, will retire at the end of January 2023.
“Alex brings deep experience in spirits manufacturing and operations, so he understands the challenges and opportunities for our business as we grow and optimize our global manufacturing footprint,” said Albert Baladi, President & CEO of Beam Suntory. “Alex’s experience as a sustainability leader also provides important insights into how we not only produce the highest quality liquids, but how we do it in a way that delivers on our values and Growing for Good.”
Alvarez joins Beam Suntory following a 15-year career at Brown Forman where he most recently served as Senior Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer and Director of ESG. Prior to that role, he held the executive role of Senior Vice President, Chief Production and Sustainability Officer. Earlier in his career, he served in manufacturing and operations roles of increasing responsibility at Procter & Gamble and General Mills.
“Beam Suntory is known for its great brands, people and culture, as well as an intensive focus on end-to-end quality,” said Alvarez. “I am honored to take on the role of Chief Supply Chain Officer at this important time in the company’s history.”
Alvarez sits on several boards including the DendriFund, the American Forest Foundation, and the Community Foundation of Louisville. In 2021, he was recognized by Latino Leaders Magazine as a ‘Top Latino in Corporate America.’
Originally from Panama, Alvarez holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business.
Alvarez will report to Baladi and will be based in Louisville, KY.
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. Headquartered in New York City, 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.
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©2023 Beam Suntory, Inc. New York.
"One of the biggest misconceptions about enlisting in the Army is that you can only develop a limited set of skills. Personally, I’ve developed many skills that are transferrable for many industries, mostly because in the military there is never a break. You’re always preparing for a new training event or mission. After I accomplished something, I was always moving on to the next. This approach really helped me develop my leadership and communication skills because being in tough and complex situations where success was the only option, always brought the best out of me.
In 2008, I decided to enlist in the Kentucky National Guard. I had several friends return from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) 1&2 and it made me consider enlisting. I felt as though this was the war of my generation and I wanted to do my part and help those who couldn’t necessarily help themselves. I am now going on almost 14 years in the National Guard.
When I completed my Basic Officer Leader Course, I went to Camp Atterbury to prepare for a mission to Iraq. Later on, I started working as a chemical officer, managing hazardous materials. This led me to my current path of health and safety.
As the health and safety manager for global manufacturing, my job involves implementing new policies and procedures to help operations run smoother, ensure we are in compliance and that employees are safe. To do that effectively, I tap into those skills I’ve developed in the National Guard. I practice a listening first strategy to understand the root of any resistance I may encounter. This way, we’re able to recognize our common goals and keep everyone safe.
Being in the Army helped mold me into the person that I am today. I don't think I would be able to have a leadership role without it. I developed skills that allow me to motivate and connect with people in order to accomplish a goal."
Maj. Allen Guess—Health & Safety Manager, Global Manufacturing, USA
The exclusive Knob Creek experience invites fans to embark on an insider's journey of leading small batch bourbon brand
CLERMONT, Ky., Dec. 1, 2022 -- As the holiday season approaches and the stress of finding the perfect gift for loved ones is top of mind, Knob Creek® Bourbon, a leader in the small batch bourbon category, is offering Behind the Craft, a first-of-its-kind experience for you and the whiskey lover in your life.
The curated offering* will be hosted by Knob Creek Seventh and Eighth Generation Master Distillers, Fred and Freddie Noe, and take place at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. distillery in Clermont, Kentucky on Friday, February 3, 2023. As the only Knob Creek focused experience on campus, Behind the Craft allows fans to spend quality time with the master distillers of its bourbon, and participate in an immersive journey of Knob Creek, including:
"Craftsmanship is core to Knob Creek and we're excited to show bourbon fans and their loved ones an insider's perspective on the care and dedication that goes into creating our whiskey," said Fred Noe, Seventh Generation Master Distiller. "Dad set out to create Knob Creek more than 30 years ago to bring friends and family together, and we're excited to do just that for the holiday season this year, and have folks come as friends and leave as family."
Knob Creek's Behind the Craft will be available for purchase just in time for the holidays, beginning December 9, 2022, at 12pm ET/9am PT. Legal drinking aged whiskey fans can purchase this full experience for $500** via Behind the Craft's website which includes a ticket for fans and their plus ones (both must be 21+). Tickets will be available on a first-come-first-served basis, and there are only five available packages.
And to make sure this is the gift that keeps on giving, Knob Creek fans who purchase this unique experience will also receive a special holiday box*** to give to their loved one this season. This additional present will prep them for the experience of a lifetime and make sure there's something special to open during the holiday season.
Those interested in learning more about the Behind the Craft experience should follow Knob Creek social media (@knobcreek) or visit Behind the Craft's website.
About Knob Creek® Bourbon
Knob Creek has set the standard for super-premium whiskey for three decades by crafting extraordinary full- flavored bourbon with a rich taste. Knob Creek bourbons and ryes are patiently aged to perfection in new, maximum charred American Oak barrels to impart the biggest and fullest flavor on our whiskey. No matter the expression, Knob Creek is crafted without shortcuts and embodies the pre-prohibition style that founding distiller Booker Noe created in 1992. Since then, Knob Creek has lived up to such standards with the introduction of Knob Creek® Straight Rye Whiskey in 2012. In recent years, Knob Creek has expanded its rye portfolio, introducing Knob Creek® Single Barrel Select Rye Whiskey (115 proof). In 2020, Knob Creek expanded its bourbon portfolio with the introduction of Knob Creek 12 Year Old Bourbon (100 proof), and a limited time release of Knob Creek 15 Year Old Bourbon (100 proof). This year, Knob Creek released Knob Creek 18 Year Old Bourbon (100 proof). This limited time release is their oldest expression to date.
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 New York City, 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. New York.
*Itinerary is subject to change.
**Ticket price includes access to the full day experience at the distillery. Travel and hotel accommodations are not included.
***No alcohol will be provided as part of the holiday box or distillery experience, but will be available for purchase on site.
Knob Creek® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% Alc./vol. ©2022 James B Beam Distilling Company, Clermont KY.
“I love people. I love creating personal and professional relationships and hearing people’s stories. I support our consumers, constantly interacting with them and providing the brand knowledge that I have acquired within the 4 years that I have been in this role. I really enjoy getting to work with our consumers every day. Marketing is my passion - understanding consumer behaviors and how our brands shape their lives is what truly excites me.
Recently, I started getting involved with the marketing department, attending agency meetings, brand activations and helping on projects. They’ve really taken me under their wings and have advocated for me to be involve me as much as possible.
I’m studying for my marketing degree part-time online while working. The industry has changed drastically since the pandemic, and I’m gaining firsthand experience on how marketing has adapted to our new life in the past few years.
Earlier this year, I got the opportunity to attend a Wimbledon x Sipsmith® event. The brand has been in partnership with the Tennis Championship across the globe in the last few years to bring specialty cocktails, event activations, and more throughout the Championship. I got the chance to observe and network with people in the media and influencers. Opportunities like this aren’t always available at other companies, so I feel lucky that Beam Suntory cares about my passions and my career aspirations. My ideas are heard, and I’m constantly encouraged by my mentors to think and create without limits.
The best piece of advice I’ve received from a mentor is to be myself at work and be proud of what I can contribute, not limit myself even though I’m in a transition period. My voice matters.”
- Kabelo Maselo, Customer Service Agent, South Africa
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If you want to provide feedback about the accessibility of this website or you want to discuss accommodations to help you use this website, please contact websiteaccessibility@BeamSuntory.com
Courvoisier partners with the National Urban League to uplift local flower shops nationwide with curated bouquets inspired by its floral house style for the holidays
JARNAC, France, Nov. 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Maison Courvoisier today announced Holidays in Blossom, a program spotlighting and supporting Black and other minority-owned flower shops for the holiday season. Courvoisier, the Most Awarded Cognac House*, worked with the National Urban League to identify florists in 13 markets across the U.S. to curate a "Cognac in Blossom" holiday arrangement that will be featured on holidaysinblossom.com and available for sale beginning November 21, and throughout the holiday season. These efforts are a part of the Maison's global philanthropic platform, Foundation 1828.
Each Holidays in Blossom bouquet takes inspiration from Maison Courvoisier's "floral house style" and the French belief of "joie de vivre," celebrating the vibrancy and joy embodied in the every day. As people come together this season, the premium cognac house is reinforcing its commitment to supporting small businesses with a special bouquet perfect for gifting, decorating, entertaining and more. All proceeds from bouquet sales will go directly back to the participating small businesses, with Courvoisier also donating funds to the National Urban League in support of their Entrepreneurship Center programming.
"Courvoisier is committed to nurturing the drive, passion and creativity of entrepreneurs in minority communities," said Jon Potter, Managing Director of Maison Courvoisier. "We know these small business face immense challenges, and it's our goal to help even the playing field. We're thrilled to champion these businesses and amplify their voices during a season that is about spreading joy and giving back."
Together with the National Urban League, Courvoisier and its local regional teams worked closely to identify florists in key Urban League markets across the U.S. The 13 floral shops include:
Holidays in Blossom is the latest endeavor under Maison Courvoisier's philanthropic platform, Foundation 1828, which provides critical resources, educational programs and financial assistance to minority business owners. In 2020, Courvoisier forged a multi-year partnership with the National Urban League and committed $1 million over five years to aid Black and minority small business owners and entrepreneurs in the U.S.
"We're thrilled to be part of this truly impactful program that is bringing awareness to Black and other minority-owned flower shops at a time when beautiful holiday arrangements and gifting are top of mind," said Stephanie DeVane, Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Business Development of the National Urban League. "While Holidays in Blossom is a seasonal program, Courvoisier and its regional teams are always finding ways to continue to support our national program, as well as our local affiliates throughout the entirety of the year, and we look forward to continuing our partnership into 2023."
For more information on Holidays in Blossom, please visit Courvoisier.com and follow @CourvoisierUSA across all social media platforms.
About Courvoisier Cognac
Maison Courvoisier was founded by Félix Courvoisier in 1828 in Jarnac, France. Courvoisier is the Most Awarded Cognac House* with a range of expressions that appeal to a variety of cognac preferences and lifestyles, including VS, VSOP, XO, and the ultimate expression of the House, L'Essence de Courvoisier. Based on the joyful, generous, and sophisticated house style and commitment to community and craftsmanship, Courvoisier continues to value its relationships with local artisans and winegrowers to produce its high quality, award-winning cognac portfolio. For more information on Courvoisier, please visit www.courvoisier.com.
*Based on 20 top spirits competitions since 2019.
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 New York City, 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.
Courvoisier® Cognac, 40% alc./vol. Courvoisier Import Company, Chicago, IL USA, Courvoisier is a trademark of Courvoisier S.A.S. ©2022 Courvoisier S.A.S. https://www.courvoisier.com/us/courvoisier-awards. Please drink responsibly.
©2022 Beam Suntory, Inc. New York.
Company also announces strategic adjustments to its commercial regions
NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2022 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, and producer of iconic brands like Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, announced today several moves within its executive leadership team effective early 2023.
“As we position Beam Suntory for its next stage of growth and approach the end of a very successful year, these leadership and market alignment moves maintain strong continuity and help further our global growth ambitions in premium spirits and RTD,” said Albert Baladi, CEO of Beam Suntory.
Greg Hughes, currently President North America, and Jessica Spence, currently President Brands, will swap roles effective January 1. As President North America, Spence will be responsible for leading commercial operations in the region that includes the company’s largest and most profitable market, the US. Spence joined Beam Suntory in 2019 as President of Brands where she has established and led the company’s global brands organization. Prior to Beam Suntory, Spence served as Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer for the Carlsberg Group, overseeing the company’s global marketing, sales, insights, R&D and innovation functions.
Hughes will become Chief Growth and Brands Officer, leading the company’s global brands organization and spearheading growth initiatives including route to market excellence globally. Hughes joined Beam Suntory in 2015 and has driven strong results since becoming President of North America in 2018.
Yuri Grebenkin, who has led Beam Suntory’s EMEA business for the last six years, is appointed President International, one of the company’s three operating regions. He succeeds Pryce Greenow, who has made the personal decision to leave Beam Suntory at the end of January. Greenow led the region and its diverse set of markets to strong double-digit growth during the past two years. Greenow has held several high-impact roles since joining the company in 2005, including the company’s commercial excellence agenda since 2021. Prior to leading EMEA to a strong track record of performance, Grebenkin led the company’s since-discontinued joint venture with Edrington and also held leadership roles at Colgate-Palmolive and Unilever.
David Hunter, SVP Global Supply Chain Officer, has made the decision to retire from Beam Suntory at the end of January after 15 years with the company, including the past seven years leading its global supply chain organization. Hunter rallied his organization around the imperatives of quality, safety and continuous improvement. He and his team piloted successive years of record investment in people, processes, expanded plant capacity and visitor facilities across the global supply chain in support of the ambitious growth of the company’s brands. Hunter’s successor will be announced at a future date.
The company also announced the following market alignment changes to its regional structure:
“These changes help further align our leadership and business to achieve our global growth ambitions,” said Baladi. “The contributions that Pryce and David have made to Beam Suntory cannot be overstated, and they will leave with the best wishes of the entire Beam Suntory family. Greg, Jessica and Yuri are fantastic leaders and I look forward to the impacts they will make to further Beam Suntory’s transformation in their new roles.”
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 New York City, 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. New York.
Must be legal drinking age to enter this site.