JACOPO BORSA

Marketing Director, J Wray & Nephew Limited

When and why did you relocate to Kingston?

I moved to Kingston in May 2017 from Spain to take on the role of marketing director at Campari Jamaica, J Wray & Nephew Ltd.

What has been your most memorable experience so far?

It is difficult to identify only one memorable experience. As an Italian living in Kingston, every day is a memorable experience because I’m constantly learning about a new country and culture. One of the first things I learnt in this role is that Jamaicans love to party and all the parties I have attended have been memorable for different reasons.

What is your idea of a perfect weekend in Kingston?

My perfect weekend here is to go out to lunch with my family, trying new restaurants — we are a family that loves to eat and experience new foods.

Where were you born?

I was born in Milan, Italy.

What is your fondest childhood memory?

In Italy, we have three months’ summer vacation, June to September, and I used to holiday on Menorca, one of the Balearic islands, with my family (it’s a tradition that I have continued with my daughter), and made many friends on those islands. So, every summer was fun because I would meet up with my foreign friends again and even make new ones.

Which five words best describe you?

Passionate, pragmatic, observant, focused and punctual.

What’s your favourite cocktail?

Negroni as an aperitif, and Appleton Estate Reserve with coconut water as my social drink.

How long have you worked in the spirits industry?

Fifteen years working with Campari (Italy, Spain and Jamaica).

What projects are you currently overseeing?

Our marketing team is working on many projects in 2019, but most notably: Jamaica Rum Festival, Campari Carnival across the Caribbean — with a focus on Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica — and a new Magnum dancehall project.

Which other cities have you lived in? How do they compare to Kingston?

Milan; Barcelona; London; Seattle, Washington; and Santa Barbara, California.

I never compare. I always try and take the positives from each experience. That said, I can definitely say that Kingston is unique and what I like is the vibes and the energy of the people, because cities are made of people.

What things do you do when you’re feeling homesick?

I do not get homesick, because I take my family wherever I go, and where my family is, is home.

Is it true that you studied law at the University of Milan? Why did you switch careers?

Just like everybody I have diverse interests. By the time I finished studying law, I realised that the creative part of my personality was emerging and that creativity and law don’t always go together. So I decided to travel in search of what’s next and went to the US, where I fell in love with marketing.

Do you prefer a night out or a night in?

Definitely a night out.

Where are your favourite places to hang out in Kingston?

Ribbiz, Sky Dweller, Chillin’ at the Serengeti and Tita’s Hotspot.

Finally, what’s your personal credo?

Treat people the way you want to be treated.