Black History Month is a time to celebrate the importance of building community. Lisa Brown, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain, Global Operations & International Sales, considers the industry like an extended family and is dedicated to uplifting diverse talent as she purposefully rethinks traditional operating models in her day-to-day work.
Some of this work includes time with our AASCEND Business Resource Group as its executive sponsor. Lisa’s drive to create meaningful work is highlighted in the BRG’s efforts during Black History Month and throughout the year.
We connected with Lisa to learn more about her background, the work she leads at Constellation Brands, and the positive momentum for diversity, equity, and inclusion within beverage alcohol industry.
Read more about her journey below.
Can you tell us about your background?
I am currently Senior Vice President of Supply Chain, Global Operations & International Sales, having started my career as a production supervisor many years ago. I have worked in the supply chain space throughout my career and developed deep roots to optimize networks, increase flexibility, and boost profit margins. Through unorthodox thinking and a penchant for strategically challenging traditional operating models, I focus on people, purpose, and process. I have been fortunate to have had opportunities that built on my experience while also offering increased levels of responsibility.
What does your role entail at Constellation?
I lead the global supply chain for our Wine & Spirits business, including procurement, demand planning, customer service, warehousing, logistics (domestic and international shipments), new product development, inventory management, and direct-to-consumer operations.
What is your proudest accomplishment in your career to date?
My proudest accomplishment in my career is the actual summation of all the experiences I have had to date that have made me who I am on both a personal and professional level. I am grateful to have developed a well-rounded perspective and solid approach to leadership and problem resolution.
What distinguishes Constellation Brands’ company culture in your mind?
Constellation truly embraces innovation and wants to be an industry leader in setting the standard for other companies to follow. Focusing on innovation is challenging work, and I’m grateful to Constellation for always looking to the future to better understand our consumers and offer products that surprise and delight them. It makes the work equally exciting and rewarding.
How can other companies, particularly in the beverage alcohol industry, best support and uplift diverse talent?
This industry is like a large, extended family: Everyone knows each other and talent moves between organizations. Until family members are courageous enough to bring new members into the fold, the level of diversity will not increase. The industry still has work to do to improve diversity and ensure proper representation, but I’m hopeful we’re headed in the right direction. As we hire more diverse candidates, we also must continue to invest in these communities by offering development opportunities and a seat at the table.