When you’re tasked with driving the export growth plans of an iconic Jamaican brand operating within a multinational organisation, it helps if you have had more than 10 years senior leadership experience. As head of Red Stripe International and Exports, Jean Look Tong not only has the experience and qualifications on paper, but a track record of performance to her credit.
Having delivered double digit growth year over year since she joined the business in 2014, this UWI alumna with an MBA is uniquely positioned to support the company’s ambitions. And for an objective as lofty as growing the beer company’s exports by 50% by 2019, it doesn’t hurt that she loves a challenge. “I’m driven by stretch targets and delivering against tremendous odds. Challenges make me feel like I am part of something great. Truth is, challenges prove what you’re made of,” said Look Tong. As the lead on Red Stripe’s export strategy, this demure Kingston native owns the company’s objective of positioning Red Stripe as a key global player.
That goal is aided by the decision of parent company HEINEKEN to push Red Stripe beer and a handful of other brands within its vast portfolio for the next few years. As part of the HEINEKEN Company, Red Stripe benefits from the global reach of the multinational and the expertise that lies within. “We are so excited about the prospects for the Great Jamaican beer within HEINEKEN. We’ve already begun to see growth in several markets, among them Australia and Trinidad,” said Look Tong. Red Stripe is also now pursuing markets in Dubai, which will result in a further increase in production.
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