Episode 173. Heather Howell – Director of Global Innovation & Trademark, Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands
***At the time of our taping, Heather was Director of Innovation, Brown-Forman Corporation***
Heather Howell’s desire to inspire her children and fear of failure power her to select her projects and grow beverage brands.
As director of innovation for Brown-Forman Corporation, Heather is responsible for developing the global portfolio expansion strategy and acts as brand leader for Collingwood, a premium blended Canadian whiskey. Howell joined Brown-Forman in 2015.
She previously worked for Rooibee Red Tea, serving as chief tea officer, C.E.O., and board member, helping take the organic tea brand from the farmer’s market to the national market.
Heather has been recognized numerous times, including Ernst & Young’s 2013 E.D.G.E. Award, a 2014 Enterprising Woman to Watch Award from Business First, and a 2013 finalist for the Business Leader of the Year Award. She is also president emeritus of the National Association of Women M.B.A.s and serves on the board of Republic Bank.
She resides in Louisville with her husband, Dr. Steven Howell, a pediatric eye surgeon, and their two children: son, Teague, and daughter, Juliana. A favorite quote of Heather’s is, “You make time for what is important; I will rest when I am in the grave.”