Jim Ruane is SVP of Lead Brands at Diageo, where he leads growth and cultural relevance across the company’s rum, vodka, gin and liqueurs portfolios. Over his 18-year career, Jim has helped build and transform some of the spirits industry’s most iconic brands, including Bulleit, Crown Royal, Ketel One, and Cîroc—driving major innovation launches, new subcategories, and franchise-scale growth. In 2022, he stepped into startup mode as the first employee and Chief Growth Officer of Cierto Tequila, helping establish it as an insurgent luxury brand before returning to Diageo with a founder’s mindset. Known for blending consumer-first strategy with cultural ambition, Jim is one of the industry’s most dynamic brand leaders today.