Beam Suntory opens new global headquarters in downtown Chicago

CHICAGO (December 5, 2016) – Beam Suntory, the world’s third-largest premium spirits company, opens its new global headquarters in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart today.  The world leader in Bourbon and Japanese whisky has relocated its Americas region and global marketing personnel from Deerfield to downtown Chicago, with corporate functions following in 2017. Beam Suntory has renovated 110,000 square feet on the 16th floor of the Merchandise Mart, an architectural landmark situated on the Chicago River in the dynamic River North neighborhood.

“Chicago is one of the world’s greatest cities, and this move underscores our strategic priority of getting closer to our customers and consumers in major cities around the world,” Beam Suntory Chairman & CEO Matt Shattock said. “For a company like ours, with so many brands with heritage measured in centuries and boundless future opportunities, we feel doubly fortunate to set our global business up for continued success in the historic and dynamic Merchandise Mart.”

Beam Suntory has a stated objective of becoming the world’s fastest-growing premium spirits company. As cities are a major source of industry growth, Beam Suntory has focused resources in key cities around the world, including Chicago.

“I want to congratulate Beam Suntory for relocating their global headquarters to the City of Chicago,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “Companies from around the country and across the world are bringing new jobs and new investments to Chicago in recognition of the fact that we are a great place to live and work, and Beam Suntory will be an excellent addition not just to the Merchandise Mart but to the entire City of Chicago.”

The newly refurbished space was designed to reflect Beam Suntory’s long and proud heritage, including certain walls made from oak barrel staves, copper elements inspired by stills, a story wall marking historic company milestones, and neighborhoods named for major company brands. The office also includes Fred’s Rackhouse, a fully functioning bar named for Jim Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe, that will be used for brand education and company events, as well as sit-or-stand desks and technology that allows employees to take their work anywhere.

The Merchandise Mart is the world’s largest wholesale design center and one of Chicago’s premier international business locations for internet, advertising, technology, healthcare and media companies. The Merchandise Mart became the world’s largest LEED®-EB certified building in November 2007.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. 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 Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, 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 commitment to 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.

© 2016 Beam Suntory Inc., Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60654

Source: WhiskeyIntelligence