Effective 1 April 2022, Ilja has become Senior Director, Global Learning and Change for Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits with flagship brands including Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek bourbons, Yamazaki, Hibiki and Hakushu Japanese whiskies, as well as world renown premium brands such as Laphroaig, Teacher’s and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Roku, Larios and Sipsmith gins and Haku vodka.
In this position, in line with the company’s strategic Global Talent & Development agenda, being responsible for the company’s Global Learning and Change initiatives. He is based out Asia, being a Permanent Resident of Singapore.
Ilja originally joined Beam Suntory in December 2017 as Regional HR Director as part of the Emerging Asia Leadership Team and functionally reporting into the Regional President based in Singapore and the VP of International Human Resources based in Madrid, Spain. Per April 2019 Ilja became the HR Director for Asia Pacific and Global Travel Retail; and per January 2021 HR International, EX, Learning & Change. Prior to joining Beam Suntory Ilja has gained significant HR experience through Edrington Asia Pacific and Diageo in South East Asia as Director and Head of HR. Prior to his roles in Asia, Ilja was the HR BP for Diageo’s Red Stripe Lager, Guinness & spirits business in Jamaica and Latin America and started his HR career as L&D Manager for the IKEA Group in the Benelux and Great-Britain.
