JAMAICA’S Red Stripe is gaining recognition in the Heineken Americas region for its progress in advancing gender balance as more women take on roles across the brewing company’s operations — from supply chain and logistics to commercial leadership.

The local beer giant recently earned Silver in the Global Gender Balance Awards – Americas Best Progress category, recognising operating companies within the Heineken network that have demonstrated measurable improvements in gender representation and inclusive leadership.

The recognition was announced during Red Stripe’s International Women’s Day observance, hosted by the company’s employee resource group WeCAN (Women Empowerment through Collaboration, Allyship & Networking) under the theme, ‘Cheers to Women in Beer: The Past, The Present and The Future’.

The milestone reflects several years of deliberate action to expand opportunities for women across the organisation, including in areas traditionally dominated by men such as manufacturing, logistics and commercial operations.

In recent years Red Stripe has implemented targeted recruitment and development initiatives aimed at strengthening the pipeline of female talent and leadership across the business.

Since 2023, 13 women have joined the company through focused recruitment efforts while 13 female employees completed leadership development programmes in 2025, including the LEAD Unlock programme designed to accelerate career growth and prepare employees for future leadership roles.

Progress is also becoming increasingly visible in career advancement. In 2025, four out of every 10 promotions at Red Stripe were awarded to women, reflecting continued movement toward stronger gender representation in leadership.

Women are also playing a growing role across operational functions in the business, with 23 women working in supply chain operations while 17 women hold roles across the commercial function.

Red Stripe’s Managing Director Daaf van Tilburg said the recognition reflects the strength and contributions of women across the organisation.

“We have incredibly strong women in Jamaica who are making meaningful contributions across every function of the business,” said van Tilburg.

“Red Stripe would not be the company it is today without the talent, leadership and dedication of the women across our teams. Our focus is ensuring that we continue creating the environment and opportunities that allow them to grow, lead and pursue their ambitions,” added van Tilburg.

In the meantime, for Red Stripe’s Head of Human Resources Judon Bowen, the company’s progress which has been recognised is the result of sustained and deliberate effort.

“Over the last few years we have been very intentional about benchmarking our progress and implementing programmes that support women at every stage of their careers,” Bowen said.

“The recognition from the Heineken network shows that the work taking place here in Jamaica is making a meaningful impact,” added Bowen.

He pointed out that as part of its continued focus on recognising female leadership internally, the company launched an initiative during the International Women’s Day event.

Brand Manager Amoye Phillpotts-Brown introduced the Woman of the Quarter recognition programme, which will highlight women across the organisation who demonstrate leadership, collaboration, and measurable impact within their teams.

The initiative will allow employees to nominate colleagues throughout the year, reinforcing the company’s commitment to celebrating the contributions of women across the business beyond International Women’s Day.

Members of Red Stripe’s production team pause for a quick photo during the Women in Beer celebration. From left are: Quality control intern Alyssa Reynolds, Quality Control Monitor Mellisa Wishart, Brewing Operator Nichela Brown, Outbound Logistics Team Lead Yanique Wilson, TPM Coordinator Kemeshia Munroe, Inbound Logistics Team Lead Venessa Robinson, and Quality Control Monitor Georgina Murray. 

Red Stripe’s Managing Director Daaf van Tilburg addressing the Cheers to the Women in Beer celebration.