Meet Omar Cham – HR Generalist, active US army officer and executive lead of BOLD’s Kentucky Chapter.

Born in Gambia, West Africa, Cham and his family moved to New York City when he was 9 months old.

“My parents wanted me to have more opportunities and access to education,” said Cham. “Despite moving at such a young age, growing up was still difficult for me because I looked and oftentimes spoke differently than others.”

After spending much of his young life in New York, he moved to Kentucky to attend Western Kentucky University (WKU), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

During his sophomore year at WKU, Cham enlisted in the US Army as an infantryman, where he developed leadership skills, and he soon became an officer. He is currently a 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Personnel Officer.

Cham later attended the University of Louisville and earned a master’s degree in Human Resources.

“I chose HR because I have a passion for problem solving and strategic thinking,” said Cham. “I also know people generally need help and support in aspects of their career, and I want to be a person who can provide that.”

Cham joined Beam Suntory’s Kentucky HR team in 2018. In his role, he provides a wide range of support to employees of the company’s bottling center of excellence in Frankfort, including career coaching, administering benefits and workforce planning.

Last year, Cham was selected to be the executive lead of the Kentucky chapter of BOLD, the company’s Black Employee Impact Group.

“I was initially a part of BOLD’s leadership team, and I was inspired about the great work we were doing for people throughout the organization,” said Cham. “I heard from Kentucky employees directly and knew there were a lot of unique needs here to help elevate D&I as a priority in Kentucky. One of our solutions was successfully launching the chapter.”

In his free time, he enjoys working on do-it-yourself projects. Recently, he built a farmhouse table from scratch for his dining room.

You can learn more about how Beam Suntory employees are “unleashing their spirit” around the world in our people profile series.

Chicago, Illinois, January 26, 2021 – Beam Suntory announced that it will establish its global headquarters in New York City in mid-2022. 

The company, whose brands include Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, will relocate most Executive Leadership Team positions, its global Brand House organization, and select global corporate function roles to space at 11 Madison Avenue in Manhattan. The company’s current headquarters in Chicago will remain home to its North America business unit and certain corporate positions. 

“As one of the world’s greatest global cities, New York will provide a unique environment to help us accelerate our premiumization strategy and growth plans. We see excellent opportunities to immerse our company and global brand building efforts more deeply in New York’s vibrant restaurant, bar and consumer environment, what we call the Gemba,” said Albert Baladi, President & CEO of Beam Suntory. 

The company has entered into a long-term lease agreement for approximately 100,000 square feet of space at 11 Madison Avenue, which will also serve as a joint office with Beam Suntory’s parent company, Suntory Holdings, a global leader in alcohol and non-alcohol beverages based in Japan. The company expects to open the New York office next year following design and build-out of the space. 

“As we look to the future, we anticipate returning to office-based work to enable the kind of collaboration we need to reach our growth ambitions,” said Baladi. “Cities clearly have an important role to play in the future of work, and while we will surely offer a higher degree of workplace flexibility, we will continue to build a strong presence in the key global cities that are closest to consumer trends and our customers.” 

In addition to Beam Suntory’s North America headquarters in Chicago, which will remain the company’s largest global office, the company has a strong presence in Tokyo and also has offices in global cities such as Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Madrid, Frankfurt, London, Delhi and Los Angeles. 

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 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.

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When Eli Johnson isn’t embarking on an adventure like ash boarding down a live volcano in Nicaragua, scuba diving, or riding his motorcycle on open freeways, he’s in his San Francisco home enjoying cooking, music or exercising.

Originally from Litchfield, Illinois, Johnson is in Northern California, where he is Manager — Territory Sales at Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits. He manages a team of seven, which covers both on and off premise accounts, meaning all bars, restaurants, and retail stores that are not chain-based in that area.

Johnson began his career in tax accounting, though he recalls that he “quickly realized I was not going to enjoy the cubicle life,” he said.

“In my past roles, I was hungry to win and run across the finish line,” Johnson said. “This role has given me the opportunity to analyze what I learned and how to effectively pass along the knowledge. I love hearing the excitement from my team when they have successes, and it feels good to know that I’ve helped mentor the future of Beam Suntory.”

Johnson is also a co-leader of Beam Suntory’s newly created Asian Employee Impact Group (EIG), Harmony. Beam Suntory’s six EIGs are similar to Business Resource Groups at other organizations, generally organized around a shared racial/ethnic culture or affinity. Beam Suntory’s EIGs were formed to help the organization develop, recruit, retain and invest in diverse talent as well as create an inclusive workplace culture.

In his leadership role, Johnson strives to create awareness about Asian culture and identify effective ways of positioning Beam Suntory brands in front of a growing consumer base.

Beam Suntory’s long-term D&I ambitions include 50 percent women in leadership, 45 percent racial and ethnic representation in the US, and equally evaluating what and how people execute their work. In addition to his leadership of Harmony, Johnson strives to be as aware as possible to other’s perspectives, and how it could impact the business and his personal relationships. One of his stretch goals is to learn American Sign Language (ASL) and break down a physical barrier of diversity.

“Whether it be a different food during lunch, a ‘thank you’ in a different language at the end of a meeting, or a handshake between two ethnic backgrounds, D&I is a primary source of how we are going to Grow for Good at Beam Suntory,” Johnson said.

Johnson joined Beam Suntory in 2015 as a Key Account Manager focusing on nightlife, with a goal of aligning Beam Suntory’s sales team and brands within niche audiences at bars and restaurants.

In this role, he was out and about analyzing the market to understand the different niches: general market, hotel, nightclub, restaurant, racially diverse, LGTBQ+ — to get the right brands in the right locations, and the right talent in the right territories.

You can learn more about how Beam Suntory employees are “unleashing their spirit” around the world in our people profile series.

CLERMONT, KY (January 12, 2021) - Knob Creek® Bourbon, a leader in the small batch bourbon category for more than 25 years, is teaming up with Jesse Israel, reflection expert and founder of The Big Quiet, to help fans of its bourbon take some well-deserved time to reset, especially after the demands and challenges faced in recent months. Knob Creek is introducing Bourbon Reflection, an IGTV video series encouraging people to sit back, reflect and renew for the year ahead. 

The Bourbon Reflection series consists of three reflection experiences, each narrated by Israel with cameos from the Beam Family’s 7th Generation Master Distiller Fred Noe, along with images from Knob Creek’s distillery and bourbon-making process. With no less than nine long years of time and dedication put into making its bourbon, Knob Creek knows the value of a hard day’s work and recognizes that same incredible effort it took so many to get through 2020 and into this new year. This series is a way to encourage those who share the bourbon’s work ethic to make time to reward themselves along the way.

“After a hectic year, more than ever, we could all use a moment to take a deep breath and renew,” Israel said. “I know what it means to work hard, but also know the importance of balancing that work with moments to reset and recharge. The values that Fred and his team uphold when crafting Knob Creek inspire me, as their standards and hard work reflect the same principles people are navigating as they continue to find balance in their lives.”

Watch, listen, and take part as Noe and Israel take you through three reflective video experiences to reflect on the energy and effort you put in every day and prepare for the year ahead. Releasing throughout the month of January, each video focuses on a topic that is not only intrinsic to the values of Knob Creek Bourbon, but also important to its fans:

• “The Value of Hard Work,” releasing today, is a five-minute reflection with questions to help guide Knob Creek fans into the mindset of finding the balance between working hard and resting as we enter the new year.
• The series will continue with “Leaving a Legacy,” a six-minute reflection ideal for the new year as it prompts Knob Creek fans to consider the legacy they want to leave behind instead of just working to survive the day.
• The series will conclude with the launch of “Reward Yourself,” a six-minute reflection using a guided relaxation technique to help Knob Creek fans reflect and reward themselves during a stressful, intense time.

“It isn’t always easy to uphold the highest standards of your work,” said Noe. “But through the years of crafting Knob Creek Bourbon to bring out the biggest flavor and quality possible, I’ve learned hard work only matters if we enjoy our lives and reward ourselves along the way. So, I hope our Bourbon Reflection video experiences provide a much-needed reward to all other hard workers right now.”

Knob Creek Bourbon is patiently aged and crafted, creating a full-flavored spirit that reflects the flavor, strength, care, and patience that define pre-prohibition whiskey. The return of Knob Creek’s 9-year-old age statement, along with the permanent addition of Knob Creek® 12 Year Old Bourbon and introduction of the limited-edition Knob Creek® 15 Year Old Bourbon last year, bear witness to the time and effort that go into each and every bottle of Knob Creek.

The Bourbon Reflection experiences will be available on Knob Creek’s IGTV at https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ8odqrgrOd/ starting on January 12.

About Knob Creek® Bourbon
Part of the original small batch bourbon collection from Kentucky, Knob Creek Bourbon has set the standard for super-premium bourbon for more than 25 years, crafting an extraordinary full-flavored bourbon with a rich taste. Introduced in 1992 by founding distiller Booker Noe, who pioneered the small batch bourbon movement, all Knob Creek expressions are patiently aged in new, maximum charred American Oak barrels, and bottled in unique flask-shaped packaging. No matter the expression, Knob Creek's hard-earned flavor is crafted without shortcuts, and upholds the standard of what great whiskey ought to be. In recent years, Knob Creek has expanded its rye portfolio, introducing Knob Creek® Single Barrel Select Rye Whiskey (115 proof), Knob Creek® Cask Strength Rye Whiskey, a limited-edition offering (119.6 proof), and Knob Creek® Twice Barreled Rye (100 proof). In 2020, Knob Creek expanded its bourbon portfolio with the introduction of Knob Creek® 12 Year Old Bourbon (100 proof) and a limited-edition Knob Creek® 15 Year Old Bourbon (100 proof).

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 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.

Knob Creek® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50-60.% Alc./Vol. ©2021 Knob Creek Distillery, Clermont, KY.

(CHICAGO) Jan. 6 2020 – Jim Beam® Bourbon is kicking off the year by finally offering drinkers a solution to their beer boredom: the refreshing and highly sessionable Jim Beam Highball. The Highball cocktail, which is made by mixing chilled Jim Beam Bourbon with ice and ice-cold, highly carbonated ginger ale, is the perfect alternative for those who are bored of beer but find themselves ordering another one on autopilot. The new marketing campaign, launching nationally this month, encourages those drinkers to add the Jim Beam Highball to their repertoire and order one when they’re looking for a light and refreshing option instead of their next beer.

The campaign first aired on Jan. 4 with a new TV spot, “Need a Break From Beer,” across multiple national news, entertainment and sports networks, and will run nationally throughout the year. The spot uses classic beer tropes found at any local bar to inspire drinkers to make their next round a Jim Beam Highball. Viewers will immediately recognize a traditionally dressed German couple encouraging an order of a Bavarian-style hefeweizen, an old, mysterious man pushing a dark, heavy brew, and a pair of hipsters, goat in tow, playfully offering a “super-filling IPA with aged goat’s milk.” The commercial marks the latest collaboration between the world’s No. 1 bourbon and global advertising agency adam&eveNYC.

“With the launch of ‘Need a Break From Beer,’ we’re taking a widely enjoyed cocktail that’s been trending for years and finally shining the national spotlight on it,” said Jessica Spence, president of brands at Beam Suntory. “We know drinkers are getting bored with beer and are looking for new alternatives. The Jim Beam Highball is incredibly easy to mix and perfect for enjoyment while at home or in bars when the time is right.”

The new campaign spot will air throughout 2021 on more than 20 national TV networks, including sports destinations such as MLB Network and ESPN2, entertainment hubs AMC and Comedy Central, and major broadcast networks including ABC, FOX and NBC. Starcom USA oversees media on behalf of Jim Beam.

In addition to media partnerships, Jim Beam will deploy Highball programming throughout the year including retail marketing, baseball stadium activations, consumer sampling and value-add packaging. The brand will also host “Beam Gardens” — a playful alternative to traditional beer gardens — in several markets across the country for those in need of a break from beer. These pop-up experiences, appearing where local guidelines and public health conditions allow, will welcome legal-drinking-aged consumers to enjoy Jim Beam Highballs on tap with friends and family.

For more information on the Jim Beam Highball and upcoming Beam Garden events, follow Jim Beam on Twitter (@jimbeam) and Instagram (@jimbeamofficial) or find the Highball recipe at jimbeam.com/cocktails.

About Jim Beam
Jim Beam is the world’s best-selling bourbon, crafted by seven generations of family distillers since 1795. Elegant. Smooth. Refined. That’s what years of aging in new charred oak barrels does to our Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s 7th Generation Master Distiller, has stayed true to the family recipe that’s been passed down through generations. The Jim Beam portfolio of products includes Jim Beam Bourbon, Jim Beam Black, Jim Beam Double Oak, Jim Beam Devil’s Cut, Jim Beam Rye, Jim Beam Peach, Jim Beam Apple, Jim Beam Vanilla, Jim Beam Honey, Jim Beam Kentucky Fire and Red Stag by Jim Beam among other offerings.

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 Midori liqueur. 

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 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.

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Drink Smart®
Jim Beam® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 40% Alc./Vol. 
©2021 James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont, KY

TORONTO, December 8, 2020 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, is donating $50,000 to the Bartenders Benevolent Fund to further support Canada’s hard-hit hospitality community during the pandemic. Earlier this year, Beam Suntory made a donation of $50,000 to the Bartenders Benevolent Fund to support Canada's hospitality communities with monetary assistance during an unprecedented time of crisis.

"Now more than ever, Canada’s restaurant industry needs help as we face a very challenging winter ahead,” said Neale Graham, Managing Director, Canada and Canadian Brands, Beam Suntory. “We are proud to continue our support of the Bartenders Benevolent Fund and our trade partners to ensure the longevity of this vibrant community.”

The Bartenders Benevolent Fund, a non-profit financial resource for bartenders, servers and front-of-house support staff working in the hospitality industry in Canada, has seen a significant need across the country during the COVID-19 global pandemic, and has been able to meet those needs, with critical funds being provided to applicants on a rolling basis.

Beam Suntory is proud of its long-standing, deep relationship with the hospitality industry and is committed to lending support to those whose livelihoods have been affected by COVID-19. At the height of the pandemic, 800,000 Canadian foodservice workers were laid off or had their hours cut down to zero. According to Restaurants Canada, roughly half of table-service restaurants expect to reduce their number of full and part-time employees over the next three to four months.¹

"We are grateful to Beam Suntory for its generosity and continued support – this second donation comes at a time when it is needed the most," said Jon Gray, co-founder of the Bartenders Benevolent Fund. "We’ve reached a pivotal point in this pandemic, and donations like these will help thousands of hospitality industry workers, and their families, who have been hit hard by this continuing crisis.” 

The Bartenders Benevolent Fund receives applications and disburses financial support on a weekly basis, with the ability for applicants to reapply, if necessary. The organization has dispersed $460,250.00 since the end of March 2020. Hospitality workers who wish to apply for assistance can do so at BartendersBenevolentFund.ca.

^{1 “Restaurant Sector Key to Canada Bringing Back 1 Million Jobs,” Restaurants Canada, last modified October 1, 2020, https://www.restaurantscanada.org/industry-news/restaurant-sector-key-to-canada-bringing-back-1-million-jobs/.}

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 Midori liqueur.

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 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.

About the Bartenders Benevolent Fund
Created in 2013, the Bartenders Benevolent Fund is a non-profit financial resource for bartenders, servers and front-of-house support staff working in the hospitality industry in Canada. We provide funding for those who have fallen under serious financial hardship and our mission is to work in earnest to ensure that those in need can make ends meet. The Bartenders Benevolent Fund's mandate is to offer support to the hospitality industry, by the hospitality industry: our funds are awarded anonymously by local hospitality professionals from each market.

© 2020 Beam Suntory, Inc., Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60654

SOURCE Beam Suntory Inc.

For further information: Media Contact: Beam Suntory, Meredith Nebel | PRAXIS, meredith@praxispr.ca | 905.272.9096; Rachel Betts-Wilmott at 403-836-5750 or bartendersbenevolentfund@gmail.com

CHICAGO, IL, December 14, 2020 – To help capture the opportunity in the rapidly growing RTD-spirits market in the US, Beam Suntory has tapped Heather Boyd to be Managing Director – US RTD.

With the increasing popularity of cocktailing at home, consumers are seeking products that bridge the gap between premiumization and convenience. Beam Suntory already holds RTD-spirits category leadership positions in Japan, Australia and Germany.

In September, Beam Suntory acquired On The Rocks Premium Cocktails, a rapidly growing premium ready-to-drink cocktail brand, and announced plans to expand market availability and the product range.

“Heather will be key to leading our growing RTD spirits business, seizing on the rapidly growing RTD spirits space, and driving our goal to become the industry leader,” said Greg Hughes, President – North America. “As a company, we are extremely excited about what we have to offer within this category, and Heather’s experience will enable us to strategically develop and deepen our RTD portfolio, allowing us to deliver quality and premium products that delight consumers.”

In this new role, Boyd will lead Beam Suntory’s RTD business in the US and continue to build the company’s RTD capabilities and offerings. Heather most recently served as Chief Product & Innovation Officer at Acreage Holdings, where she led a cross-functional product team across category management, sales, business intelligence, product and packaging development and R&D, and established the company’s wholesale business. Prior to Acreage Holdings, Boyd served in marketing and commercial roles of increasing responsibility at Diageo.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Beam Suntory and supporting its ambition to become the leader in the RTD-spirits market, particularly as demand for premium, pre-mixed cocktails grow at an exponential rate,” said Boyd. “Beam Suntory’s many years of global RTD experience, combined with its depth and breadth of premium, world-renowned brands, will allow us to pave the way forward in this exciting space.”

Boyd’s appointment is effective January 4, 2021.

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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 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.