Jessica Spence

Jessica Spence is President of Brands at Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits.

In her role, Spence leads 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. She is also responsible for 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. She has prior experience with global advertising agencies Leo Burnett and J Walter Thompson.

Spence is a graduate of Cambridge University, the London School of Economics & Political Science (post-graduate diploma), and INSEAD (MBA). She resides in Chicago.