Beam Suntory exec inducted into Bourbon Hall of Fame

BARDSTOWN, Ky. - Kathleen DiBenedetto, senior director of commercial marketing, luxury, with Deerfield-based Beam Suntory, was among five people inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame.

DiBenedetto was selected for her service and support of the Commonwealth of Kentucky's signature industry.

"This is one of our largest and most diverse classes in years, yet all are distinguished by their remarkable achievements in promoting, protecting and elevating our legendary craft," said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers' Association.

DiBenedetto is a 24-year veteran of the original Jim Beam Brands Co. She has committed much of her career to the development and advancement of the Bourbon whiskey category. Hired in November of 1991, Kathleen worked alongside Booker Noe on the launch of the Small Batch Bourbon Collection. Together with Booker Noe and his son Fred Noe, DiBenedetto was instrumental in the creation of Booker's, Knob Creek, Basil Hayden's and Baker's.

Created by the KDA in conjunction with the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in 2001, the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a significant and transformational impact on Bourbon's stature, growth and awareness. It is the highest honor given by the signature industry and is presented annually during the

Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

In addition to DiBenedetto, others selected to the Hall include Parker Beam, master distiller emeritus, Heaven Hill Brands; Owsley Brown II, former CEO and Chairman, Brown-Forman; U.S. Senator Wendell Ford; and Donna Nally, co-creator of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.