This past weekend our MBA students had the pleasure of hearing from numerous high-profile individuals in the bourbon industry, in the MBA 620 International course. This course exposes students to the influences of political, social, legal, and regulatory
issues of managing in a global environment. It is designed for students whose professional or personal commitments make international travel problematic. Traditionally this course is offered overseas on an 8-day excursion filled with seminars, tours,
and new educational experiences.
However, due to the pandemic and shutdown on travel this year’s course brings international business on bourbon to the classroom through case studies, speakers, local travel, and a simulation game highlighting international themes, locations, and
cultures.
The course kicked off last Friday afternoon with guest speakers Dr. Ralph de Chabert, SVP, Chief Diversity Officer at Brown-Forman, and Rubel School Executive Board Member, as well as Ms. Paula Caffer, D&I Business Partner - LATAM at Brown-Forman.
The dynamic duo focused on the pivotal role diversity and inclusion plays on a successful global strategy.
Later in the evening the group heard from Mr. Eric Gregory, President of Kentucky Distillers Association. Eric’s keynote presentation focused on the global challenges facing the bourbon industry.
Time at Frazier History Museum!
Saturday morning the MBA students kicked off the day at the Frazier History Museum with a tour of the Spirit of Kentucky exhibit, a bourbon tasting in the famous speakeasy, and a remarkable presentation from Mr. J. McCauley (Mac) Brown, Former V.P. of
Brown-Forman, Corp. and Bellarmine Trustee. Mac was joined with son Chris Brown, VP Director of Route-to-Consumer and Sales Operations at Brown-Forman. The keynote presentation shared insight on marketing, sales, and strategy in the global beverage
industry.
J. McCauley (Mac) Brown currently is the Chairman of the Republican Party of Kentucky and the past Transition Chairman when Governor Bevin was elected in 2015. Mac retired in Dec 2015 as a Vice President of Brown-Forman Corporation a diversified
producer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands was founded in 1870 by his great grandfather George Garvin Brown, who had the then-novel idea of selling top-grade whiskey called Old Forester in sealed glass bottles. Out of his idea grew a company
that in fiscal 2020 had net sales of $4.3 billion in wine and spirits. For 150 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s Tennessee
Whiskey, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Finlandia Vodka, Herradura and el Jimador Tequila and. Brown-Forman’s brands are supported by around 4,000 employees and sold in approximately 170 countries worldwide
While working at Brown-Forman Mac’s responsibilities include a wide and varied range of business planning, family governance, and strategic topics, served as a member of the Corporate Strategy Council and past member of the B-F / Brown Family Committee.
Prior to October 2002, Mac’s experience was focused in sales and marketing roles including Brand Director of various brands and Regional Director over 24 different states. His career started at Brown-Forman working summers during college
in 1972 and began full time in 1977 spending four years in field sales then moving into marketing in 1981.
Chris earned a Bachelor of Science from Auburn University in 2002 and an MBA from Kennesaw State University in 2005. Over the course of his nearly two decades in the spirits and wine industry, he has lived in Georgia, New York, and Kentucky and
held various sales, marketing, and route-to-consumer leadership roles serving the United States and Canada business unit.
In addition to his operational responsibilities within Brown-Forman, Chris has made valuable governance contributions serving as a member of the Brown-Forman/Brown Family Shareholders Committee, serves on the Leadership Kentucky board, is a board director
for the Filson Historical Society, and was recently appointed as a board director for the Brown-Forman philanthropic Foundation.
The day did not stop there—the afternoon hosted keynote presentations from Ms. Isabel Corominas, Insights Manager - Latin America Region at Brown-Forman, and BU Executive MBA Alumnae. Isabel focused on the advantage of understanding culture as part
of a successful global strategy. Plus Dr. Frank Raymond’s presentation on the trade war, cultural icons, and the impact of tariffs.
Forecast for next weekend!
The course is not over yet! Next weekend our MBA students will have the privilege of touring with a tasting at Maker’s Mark, and hearing a phenomenal presentation from Mr. Rob Samuels, Chief Operating Officer at Maker's Mark Distillery, Inc. at
Maker’s Mark. Students will explore the impact of Bourbon Tourism in cultivating brand awareness. Students will become more familiar with global opportunities and challenges facing the bourbon industry.