Jim Clerkin has over 40 years of experience in the wine and spirits industry. He began his career in Ireland where he rose through the ranks at Guinness in a variety of roles to become an executive member of the board of directors.

In 1994, Jim was recruited by Grand Metropolitan to head up its Irish wines and spirits division (Gilbeys of Ireland), a role in which he brought together, the Northern and Southern Divisions into one group and eventually created the second largest wine and spirits company in Ireland. Grand Metropolitan merged with Guinness to form Diageo in 1998. He continued with Diageo in Ireland until early 2000 at which time he was asked to take on responsibility for the Western Region of the United States for Diageo’s wine and spirit division as EVP and President. In 2003, he was recruited by Allied Domecq to lead their business in the Americas as President for North America and Canada, reporting to the Global CEO. Following the acquisition of Allied Domecq by Pernod Ricard and Jim Beam, Jim was appointed CEO of The Jim Beam Company for Canada, Mexico and the USA.

In 2008, he was recruited by Moët Hennessy, the wine, champagne, and spirits division of LVMH to take on a new role as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with responsibility for global brands such as Hennessy cognac, Moët & Chandon champagne, Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot champagne, Grand Marnier and Belvedere vodka.

In 2010, Jim was appointed to the position of CEO and President of Moët Hennessy USA, the leading luxury wines, spirits and champagne company in the world. He was also part of the Global Executive Team of Moët Hennessy.

In 2015 his role expanded to Mexico and Canada making him the President and CEO of Moët Hennessy North America. In 2019 Jim was appointed head of strategy and M & A for Moet Hennessy.

In 2021, Jim became CEO of Demeter and Co In 2022, Jim became the chairman of Demeter and co. He is Chairman of Reserve Bar / Mini Bar and ONDA tequila seltzer. He is a Board member of SelvaRum, Clean Co. and Cuervo International. Outside of work, he is the Chairman of Co Operation Ireland in the US, which is a not-for-profit organization promoting peace and reconciliation.