Bacardi: Jamie Cooper Williams and Jessica Merz

Bacardi has promoted communications talent Jamie Cooper Williams as VP Brand PR & Influence; and Jessica Merz as VP Global Corporate Communications.

Following her role as Director of Global Internal Communications at Bacardi, Jamie Cooper Williams returns to Brand PR reporting to Chief Marketing Officer John Burke and as a member of the Marketing Leadership Team, where she will continue to build the company brands’ cultural capital through best-in-class storytelling and brand partnerships. This promotion follows the departure of Lisa Jedan who is leaving to another organization.

Jamie joined Bacardi in 2017, serving as the Brand PR and Influence Director for Bacardi rum and Grey Goose vodka. Reporting to Jamie is the Brand PR Team responsible for brands including Bacardi rum, Grey Goose vodka, Bombay Sapphire gin, Dewar’s Scotch Whisky, Martini vermouths and sparkling wines and others.
Jamie joined Bacardi following a career in luxury public relations including at IWC Schaffhausen and NIKE Communications agency. She was named one of PRovoke Media’s 2020 Rising Stars. Originally from Connecticut, she has a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media Studies from Fordham University.

Jessica Merz, an 11-year veteran of the company, is promoted to Vice President Global Corporate Communications. During her time at Bacardi, she has continuously expanded her scope, starting as Director of Global Internal Communications, followed by Director of Global External Communications and, most recently, leading all corporate communications functions across internal, external, social media and the company archives.

Jessica remains responsible for the management, development and execution of the company’s narrative across internal communications, along with traditional media and digital platforms. In addition, Jessica oversees all brand archives, which protect a 160-year-legacy with more than 1,000 years of cultural patrimony within the wider museum collections. This promotion into the newly created role further elevates the work and function.
Prior to joining Bacardi in 2011, Jessica led internal communications for ADT North America, DHL Express in the US, and other global organizations. Jessica is a 2022 recipient of PRWeek Women to Watch and was previously named a PRWeek 40 Under 40 and PR News 15 to Watch. She has a M.S. in Communications Management from Syracuse University and a B.S. in Communications from the University of Miami. An advocate for community outreach, Jessica serves on the Board of Directors of Suited for Success / Dress for Success Miami.