LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 31, 2018) Kate Shapira Latts, Vice President of Marketing for
Heaven Hill Brands, received the fifth annual Lois Mateus Networking Award Aug. 24 from Bourbon Women and the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, honoring her thoughtful leadership and meaningful contributions to Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and spirits industry.
Latts oversees the strategy, marketing and new product development for the diversified portfolio of brands for the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer. Heaven Hill is the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky bourbon. Latts accepted the award at the opening dinner of the Bourbon Women Sip-osium, held at Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto.
Bourbon Women President Kerri Richardson and the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Affair Director Mary Gratzer presented Latts with a silver bourbon barrel cup to commemorate her outstanding work in elevating and promoting Kentucky’s treasured spirit.
“When women lead in bourbon, more women come to bourbon,” Richardson said. “Having Kate in a position of leadership in one of the world’s largest and most historic bourbon houses means that Kate has outsize influence in the way people think about and enjoy bourbon.
“We applaud her contributions and congratulate Kate on her outstanding work in promoting
America’s native spirit.”
In addition to growing the success of Heaven Hill, Latts is an active participant in the WSWA Women’s Leadership Council and Women of the Vine and Spirits – the world’s leading women’s organization dedicated to empowerment and advancement in the alcohol beverage industry.
“Kate’s strategic vision and execution has been immeasurable in growing our signature industry, creating opportunities for others – especially women – to succeed,” said KDA President Eric Gregory. “We are honored to present her with this year’s Lois Mateus award.”
The award is named for Lois Mateus, retired senior vice president of Brown-Forman Inc., and the first woman ever to serve on the KDA Board. Her two-year term in 1992 paved the way for other women in high-ranking roles throughout Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry.
“I’m honored to be recognized as one of this great industry’s female pioneers,” Latts said.
“Lois’s vision and leadership have been an inspiration for so many amazing women helping
further the artistry of bourbon whiskey.”
Mateus said, “Kate is a remarkable woman, carrying on her family’s legacy of leadership and collaboration in the Bourbon industry by sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm of this great spirit with consumers. She’s a networker and a brand builder.”
Latts’ father, Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira, said his greatest accomplishment was
attracting the third generation of family back to lead the business.
“I’m deeply proud that Kate as my daughter, a professional and a woman has been recognized for her commitment to American whiskey, which to this day, is the heart and soul of our business,” he said.
The award is given annually by Bourbon Women in conjunction with the KDA based on the
following criteria for a woman who has:
– Excelled in her profession by continuously building key relationships to contribute to the
growth in her respective industry
– Broken through barriers to grow her career
– Contributed to the community through service and philanthropy
– Increased exposure for other women to grow their networking and career opportunities
– Developed creative partnerships and strategic alliances to further the growth of her
respective industry
– Become a role model for female professionalism
“Heaven Hill has been a cornerstone of leadership in this industry for three generations,”
Gregory said. “Kate’s dedication and dynamic initiative is a big part of that, and it is a privilege to be able to recognize her success in this way.
“On behalf of the KDA and our 39 members, we congratulate Kate on her achievements and thank her for her significant contributions to the strength, integrity and longevity of Kentucky’s beloved bourbon and distilled spirits industry.”