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Paula Erickson was promoted in 2014 to Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer of Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits that encompasses some of the industry’s most iconic brands, more than 20 production and commercial facilities around the world, and a global team of 4,800 employees. Reporting directly to the CEO, Erickson is a member of the executive leadership team and responsible for the company’s talent strategy, compensation and benefits, employee engagement, culture, diversity and inclusion, learning capability and organizational development to drive growth in all areas of the business.

Prior to her executive leadership appointment, Erickson served as Vice President of Global Communications and Public Relations (2009 – 2013) and Vice President of External Communications (2008). In her time at Beam Suntory, Erickson has been responsible for the company’s global human resources, internal and external communications, public relations, corporate social responsibility and media relations. Most recently, Erickson has led the people and culture integration of the business following Beam’s acquisition by Suntory Holdings.

Erickson has more than two decades of consumer and business-to-business marketing experience in both the retail and consumer packaged goods sectors. Erickson joined Beam Suntory following 17 years at Ace Hardware Corporation, a $4 billion international company with 5,000 retailers in the United States and 70 countries worldwide. At Ace, she held various positions with increasing responsibility in corporate communications, public relations and consumer marketing. From 2006 to 2008, Erickson held the top consumer marketing and advertising position in the company, serving as Director of Advertising and Brand Development, responsible for driving sales through the company’s national marketing, media buying, public relations and advertising initiatives.

Erickson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with minors in international relations and sociology from the University of California, San Diego. She resides in Long Grove, Ill., with her husband and three children.