Women in Beverage 2025 | Page 8

Executive Vice President, Managing Director, Campari, Southern Glazer’ s Wine & Spirits

How did you first get started in the beverage alcohol industry?

The beverage alcohol industry has been part of my family for generations. My grandfather, Harvey Chaplin, helped build Southern Glazer’ s into the company it is today, and my father, Wayne E. Chaplin, has carried that legacy forward through his own leadership.

From an early age, I saw the values of hard work, hospitality and entrepreneurship in action. What began as family legacy quickly became personal passion. I wanted to understand the business from the ground up, so I immersed myself in various roles, from communications to commercial leadership, to learn as much as I could about our operations, people and culture. That foundation deepened my respect for the industry and gave me the perspective I rely on today as I help shape strategy and culture at Southern Glazer’ s.

Did you have a mentor in the industry? Have you been a mentor to others?

I’ m very grateful to have had incredible mentors throughout my career. People like Brad Vassar( strategic advisor to the CEO), Scott Oppenheimer( commercial sales advisor) and Tim Redell( EVP, managing director, American Liberty Division) all believed in me, challenged me and helped me grow into the leader I am today.

Mentorship is such a powerful gift, and one of the most meaningful parts of my career has been paying that mentorship forward. Five years ago, I founded EmpowHER, a leadership development program designed to give both women and men the space to reflect, strengthen their executive presence and lead with boldness. Nearly 500 participants have graduated from the program since its inception in 2020. I also mentor individuals one-onone, including a current mentee I connect with monthly. Creating space for mentorship and growth is part of our culture at Southern Glazer’ s, and I feel proud to contribute to it.

Have you faced challenges as a woman in a leadership position in what’ s still a maledominated industry?

Absolutely, but I’ ve learned to see those challenges as opportunities to lead differently. Whether it was being the only woman in a room, navigating bias or balancing expectations, each experience helped shape my resilience and leadership style.

That’ s why initiatives like our Women in Leadership panels, where I co-moderate discussions with senior leaders in the beverage alcohol industry, are so important. They create space for real conversations about bias, authenticity and belonging. While challenges do exist, I’ ve also received tremendous support from male colleagues and mentors – starting with my father, who has always encouraged and championed me.

How has your company benefited from having women at the table making decisions?

I’ ve seen firsthand how women leaders drive innovation, collaboration and stronger outcomes. At Southern Glazer’ s, having women in decision-making roles has elevated how we think and how we deliver results.

For example, leaders like Amy Kickham, our chief human resources officer, have played a critical role in advancing our people strategy, strengthening our culture and ensuring we can attract and retain the very best talent. When women bring their perspective to the table – whether in HR, operations, strategy or culture – it doesn’ t just benefit women, it benefits the entire company and the industry.

Do you think the beverage alcohol industry has improved as far as women and gender inclusion in the past five years?

Yes, I do think we’ ve made progress. There’ s a stronger recognition now that diversity drives results, and we’ ve seen more intentional investment in programs to support women. Initiatives like the WSWA Women in Leadership Executive Education Program with Columbia Business School are preparing the next generation of leaders with the skills and confidence to succeed. At the same time, I think we all recognize there’ s still more work to do. The progress is encouraging, but the commitment to keep moving forward is what really excites me.

What advice do you have for other women looking to get into the beverage alcohol industry?

Be bold, stay curious and build your community. This industry is full of opportunity, but you have to be willing to step into it. Ask questions, forge relationships and don’ t wait for permission to lead – create your own path. One of my favorite reminders is that you only get what you have the courage to ask for. Your perspective is not only valid, it’ s needed, and this industry will be stronger because of it.

8 2025 WOMEN IN BEVERAGE