Beam Suntory plans to move Global Headquarters to Downtown Chicago
Beam Suntory plans to move Global Headquarters to Downtown Chicago
DEERFIELD, IL (February 29, 2016) - Beam Suntory, the world’s third largest premium spirits company, plans to move its global headquarters from suburban Deerfield to The Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago by the end of 2017.
The world leader in Bourbon and Japanese whisky has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to lease 110,000 square feet in the historic building, an architectural landmark, elegantly situated on the Chicago River in the dynamic River North neighborhood.
Beam Suntory’s performance objective is to be the world’s fastest-growing premium spirits company. As cities will be a major source of future industry growth, Beam Suntory is strategically focusing resources in key cities around the world, including Chicago.
“Cities are increasingly where our target consumers live and work, including the key millennial demographic, and getting closer to our consumers is a strategic priority,” Beam Suntory Chairman & CEO Matt Shattock said.
"Locating our people amidst the energy of a city like Chicago will be invigorating and make us an even better business as we pursue our ambitious long-term growth objectives. Our people will benefit from Chicago’s excellent transportation options, and we’ll be closer to a diverse pool of talent that we’ll tap into as we grow in the future."
“Beam Suntory is now the latest in a growing list of companies who recognize that having their global headquarters right here in the city of Chicago gives them even greater potential for future success, and I am proud to welcome them to their new home,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “Whether it's the talent of our workforce, the strength of our transportation systems or the quality of life in our neighborhoods, the city of Chicago offers growing companies like Beam Suntory many strategic advantages. I want to thank them for having confidence in Chicago’s future and I look forward to watching them grow here for years to come.”
Beam Suntory will relocate its headquarters in phases starting later this year. Approximately 450 employees spanning functions such as marketing, sales, finance, legal, human resources, IT, supply chain and communications are based at the company’s current headquarters in Deerfield.
This agreement links two Chicago-area icons. With history that dates back to 1795, Beam Suntory boasts an enviable portfolio led by its flagship brands Jim Beam and Yamazaki, as well as world-renown premium brands including Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, Hakushu, Hibiki, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Courvoisier, Sauza, and EFFEN.
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.
“Beam Suntory’s roots go back more than 220 years, but we have the soul of a startup,” Shattock said. “I know we’re going to feel right at home in this vibrant downtown location.”