Women in leadership

Jessica Spence is President of Brands at Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits. In her role, Jessica’s focus is primarily in leading end-to-end the brand strategy, development and performance, including P&L accountability, for the company’s global iconic brands of Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Courvoisier and more. Her responsibilities also encompass global innovation, research and development, as well as the global expansion of the ready-to-drink category. Spence works closely with the region presidents and chief supply chain officer to drive the company’s long-term global premiumization agenda.

Spence joined Beam Suntory in 2019 from Carlsberg Group, where she served as Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing the company’s global marketing, sales, insights, R&D and innovation functions. She previously served as Carlsberg’s Senior Vice President Commercial based in Copenhagen, and in senior commercial and marketing roles for Carlsberg Asia based in Hong Kong. Prior to joining Carlsberg in 2012, Spence held marketing roles of increasing responsibility for SABMiller in Russia, Slovakia and Poland, as well as in business development based in London and also has prior experience with global advertising agencies Leo Burnett and J Walter Thompson.