Owning a multicultural background with both German and Belgium nationalities and grew up in France, Nicolas Beckers graduated from top French business school ESSEC with an MBA degree, and then started his career as strategy & business consultant in Arthur Andersen in Melbourne and Paris, where he built up his insights and know-how of how modern corporations run towards success.

Prior to joining Rémy Cointreau, Nicolas joined Carrefour as financial controller for Asia zone in Hong Kong, overseeing financial performance of business units under 8 different countries. He rapidly made his way to become controlling manager of Carrefour Thailand, and later deputy finance director and then finance director of Carrefour Russia. Seven years after he joined Carrefour, Nicolas was appointed as controlling director for growth markets in Carrefour HQ in Paris, covering three regions (Latin America, Asia and Africa, Middle East and India) During all his experiences abroad, Nicolas acquired the experience needed for solving problems and winning the big game in different cultural circumstances.

With his extensive and solid experience in business management, Nicolas joined Rémy Cointreau in December 2011 as Group Financial Planning Director in Paris. He participated actively to several acquisitions made by the group, namely Bruichladdich and The Botanist. He set also new standards to follow profitability and improve finance / reporting organization. In October 2014, he reallocated to Hong Kong as Business Development Director for Greater China, then has successfully led many business units and teams: Business Development, national Key Account Off-Trade and E-Commerce. Later he served as the Managing Director for Taiwan and Hong-Kong and brought significant successes in both territories.

On May 1^st 2017, Nicolas became the Chief Executive Officer of Rémy Cointreau Greater China. Under his lead, business in Greater China achieved continuous growth by redefining the strategic business road map. Since April 1^st 2020, Nicolas is part of the Executive Committee On April 1^st 2021, Nicolas extended his duties on managing local and non-airport travel retail customers including Hainan to reinforce our client-centric approach for our brands portfolio in Greater China area.

As of August 2022, he began his new role as President & CEO of Rémy Cointreau Americas. From January 2023, Nicolas extended his duties with overseeing American Single Malt leading Brand Westland globally.  He lives in New York City, with his wife and two children.

Paul Ross is the President and CEO of Edrington Americas, overseeing all markets in The Americas including United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean. Paul is serving in this position (for the 2^nd time) while on secondment from his role on the Global Executive Board of Edrington.

Prior to his return to the Americas, Paul was serving, since 2017 as the Managing Director of Malts Whiskies and Innovation. As well as overseeing the development of Highland Park Single Malt, Glenrothes Single Malt, Paul managed strategic partnerships such as Wyoming Whiskey and Noble Oak.

As mentioned above, from 2011 to 2017, Paul was the initial President and CEO of Edrington Americas, managing all markets of The Americas. This was a start-up operation, where 6 offices were opened, and nearly 200 staff was hired over a period of 3 years.

Paul joined The Edrington Group in 1994, heading up International Finance by 1995. He was named Commercial Director of Latin America in 1997, based in Caracas, and in late 1998, Paul relocated to Hong Kong to serve as Regional Managing Director, Asia Pacific. Paul opened the first international office for Edrington, and successfully launched The Macallan. Edrington now have over 300 staff in Asia.

In 2002 Paul transferred back to the UK where he took on additional responsibility for North & Central Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa. Paul served on the Operating Committee of Maxxium BV, operating in 36 countries.

Prior to moving to New York in 2011, Paul was Global Commercial Director (2008 – 2010). That role involved managing a global team of Sales & Marketing Executives. Offices were based in 14 locations and were comprised of 20 nationalities.  The team covered over 100 markets, with 8 Joint Venture companies, and 8 wholly owned subsidiaries, together with over 1,400 staff.

Paul joined the Board of The Macallan Distillers in 2005, as Global Commercial Director, followed by the Board of Highland Distillers in 2008. He has also sat on the Edrington Executive Committee since 2008.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Paul studied Accountancy at Glasgow University and began his career in 1990 when he joined Ernst & Young. Paul became a Chartered Accountant in 1992, winning first prize with The Institute of Chartered Accountants for Scotland.

Paul is 50 and recently returned to New York. Paul’s wife is Sally-Anne, and they have three children, Matthew (27), Sophie-Anne (26), and Nicolle (21).

Paul is a Global Scot, and sat on the China Britain Business Council Board 2003 – 2010

Paul is Chairman of Ooni Pizza Ovens

Board Member of The Distilled Spirits Council of USA

As a Social Entrepreneur, Deborah Brenner measures success on the positive impact a business makes on society. She has manifested her vision with Women of the Vine & Spirits, inspiring a challenge that calls forth the best in people and brings them together around a shared sense of purpose, working with the power of intentionality and alignment with a higher purpose. 
Through community building, collaborative conversations, and a focus on action, WOTVS works to create positive change for our industry.
Deborah created the Breaking Barriers Series to dive into the core of what DE&I practices currently look like and to discover innovative paths toward creating a more inclusive work environment for all.