Beam Suntory completes relocation of global headquarters to downtown Chicago
Beam Suntory completes relocation of global headquarters to downtown Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, June 27, 2017 – Beam Suntory, the world’s third largest premium spirits company, has completed the relocation of its global headquarters from suburban Deerfield to downtown Chicago.
The company’s corporate functions moved into the new downtown space this week, following the relocation of its Americas region and global marketing personnel in December 2016. Beam Suntory’s headquarters now occupy 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. More than 500 Beam Suntory employees now work at the new headquarters.
“The relocation of our global headquarters to downtown Chicago is invigorating and exciting for our team,” said Matt Shattock, chairman and chief executive officer of Beam Suntory. “We’ve moved into a bright, open and collaborative space that reflects our tremendous heritage and our future opportunities. Importantly, cities are driving the growth of our industry and tomorrow’s trends. This move puts our business squarely in the center of the action, closer to our customers and consumers in one of the world’s greatest cities.”
Beam Suntory has also reinforced its commitment to Chicago through its long-term partnership as the Official Spirits Partner of the World Champion Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field.
“For five consecutive years, Chicago has been number one in corporate relocations," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. "Like so many other companies, Beam Suntory recognized Chicago's unparalleled talent pool and the critical investments we're making in our future; Chicago is quite simply the perfect place to base their company."
The newly refurbished, contemporary space was designed to reflect Beam Suntory’s long and proud heritage. It includes certain walls made from oak barrel staves, copper elements inspired by stills, a story wall marking historic company milestones, neighborhoods named for major company brands, as well as sit-or-stand desks and technology that allows employees to take their work anywhere. The entry to the office features Fred’s Rackhouse, a fully functioning bar named for Jim Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe, which is used for brand education and company events.
The Merchandise Mart is one of Chicago’s premier international business locations for internet, advertising, technology, healthcare and media companies, and also remains the world’s largest wholesale design center. The Merchandise Mart became the world's largest LEED®-EB certified building in November 2007.