Beam Suntory to move global HQ to New York, but Chicago will remain its largest office

Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz, Chicago Tribune

Beam Suntory, the liquor company behind Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, plans to move its global headquarters from Chicago to New York City next year. Chicago will remain home to its North American business unit and its largest office in the world.

Beam Suntory, which moved its global headquarters from suburban Deerfield to downtown Chicago in 2016, will retain its space in the Merchandise Mart for more than 400 employees.

In New York it has signed a long-term lease for about 100,000 square feet at 11 Madison Avenue, where most executives, its global brand house and select global corporate functions will move in mid-2022. That office will be shared with Japanese parent company Suntory Holdings.

“As one of the world’s greatest global cities, New York will provide a unique environment to help us accelerate our premiumization strategy and growth plans,” Albert Baladi, president and CEO of Beam Suntory, said in a news release. “We see excellent opportunities to immerse our company and global brand building efforts more deeply in New York’s vibrant restaurant, bar and consumer environment, what we call the Gemba.”