Sophie Kelly has had a colorful career in advertising spanning more than two decades and multiple continents. She has established herself among industry peers as a professional troublemaker for change, known for her passion and unapologetic belief that creativity, culture and purpose have the power to transform brand marketing, communications and build the world’s most beloved brands.
Sophie joined Diageo in 2016 as the SVP of Diageo’s industry-leading Whisk(e)y portfolio in North America. In this time, she has propelled the growth of some of the most iconic and dynamic brands in the category. Sophie’s maverick spirit is the driving force behind boundary-pushing initiatives that reinforce Diageo’s corporate values and represent Sophie’s commitment to impacting the communities her brands serve. Under Sophie’s leadership, Diageo’s whisk(e)y portfolio has achieved unprecedented success. The Bulleit Bourbon brand’s Kentucky distillery has become completely carbon-neutral. Crown Royal – which became the most valuable whiskey brand in North America – applies its purpose of exceptional generosity through landmark support of the hospitality industry, its celebration of Black creatives to shape the brand narrative and service communities in need through the iconic Purple Bag Project. And finally, Johnnie Walker has become a leading voice in the women’s equality conversation through its Jane Walker platform.
Sophie continues to champion an agenda of sustainability, inclusivity, and diversity across her brands, teams and agency partners, and she is proud to play an active role in the changing
face of whisk(e)y.
