The Women in drinks council was thrilled to appoint a new Chair this month: Jennifer Collins.
Jennifer has more than 20 years experience across the FMCG, pharmaceutical and liquor industries and is currently the Global Marketing Activation Director at Pernod Ricard, a role that sees her drive a portfolio of premium wine brands across 75 markets. She has also been an Alternative Director of the drinks association since 2013.
Here, Jennifer discusses her plans for the council.
1. What are your career highlights?
Personal – managing the twists and turns of a career among two periods of maternity leave, and changing industries and employers during the first one.
Business – working for amazing organisations such as Johnson & Johnson, GlaxoSmithkline and Pernod Ricard – all have amazing cultures, leading brands and a focus on innovation.
The people that I’ve met in the industry – it’s great to maintain those relationships, even when they are working for competitors. People remember the personal impact you make. Campaigns, strategies and spreadsheets are long forgotten, but relationships aren’t.
2. How long have you been involved in WID?
Since it’s formation in 2014. I joined WID to drive the agenda in the industry, give back to the industry and expand my own networks and contacts – both male and female – and to connect with upcoming talent.
3. Why is WID so important to the industry?
It’s a platform for dialogue, celebrates the successes of women in our industry and explores attracting, retaining and developing female talent within the drinks association’s member companies and the wider drinks community.
4. What are your plans for the council in 2017?
We have a cracking event on March 8 for International Women’s Day. In May, we kick off our mentoring program with partners Serendis, which is targetted at women who are looking to progress their careers to leadership level. We’re also working to establish chapters of WID throughout Australia. And we’re looking to build a successful membership model for WID.
5. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing women in the drinks industry?
To be honest – ourselves. We hold ourselves back.
Pictured: Jennifer Collins with the drinks association CEO Sandra Przibilla.
