Photo by Star Sabroso I Shot on location Manhattan, Conrad Singapore Orchard
Rachel Tann
Academy Chair for The World’s 50 Best Bars, Southeast Asia & Korea
Rachel Tann’s journey into the spirits and bar scene wasn’t a meticulously plotted path but more of a scenic detour, thanks to a well-timed nudge from her mom during her college days. “She told me to get part-time jobs for some extra pocket money,” Rachel recalls. That’s when the magic happened. What started as a gig in bars and clubs morphed into an all-consuming passion for cocktails and the people who craft them.
Her foray took a serious turn when she landed a role with Rémy Cointreau after working at a marketing agency. Here, she delved deeper into the world of spirits, helping shape campaigns and bolster brand visibility through initiatives such as the bartender competition La Maison Cointreau and Negroni Week in Singapore.
Watch the video below for her full interview:
Today, Rachel is the regional director for marketing communications at the boutique agency DeVries Global and, at the same time, serves as the Academy Chair for The World’s 50 Best Bars, covering Southeast Asia and Korea. As an Academy Chair of the ‘Oscars’ of the bar industry, she helps select a voting panel composed of drink writers, bartenders, and cocktail aficionados who form part of the Academy and vote for the prestigious list.
With a background that’s as rich as some of the spirits she has worked with, it’s clear she has her finger firmly on the pulse of the industry. Keep reading to discover more insights from Rachel.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, and how did you overcome them?
As women, we need to work doubly hard to prove ourselves, especially when we have ideas that are a little bit different from those in a traditionally male-dominated industry. As a young woman entering this space, you really need to prove your worth by their metrics; otherwise, your ideas might get drowned out.
Also, I think being disregarded has happened to me in social situations. I’m often the only woman in a party of all men, and I have been in situations where they skip me and go on to shake more hands with the other men. In these situations, I believe having a male ally is important. One of the men from my party made an effort to introduce me, and that was when they offered their hands to shake mine.
“Treat everyone with respect, kindness, and empathy, because you never know who you might meet again a few years later.”
Who is a mentor or role model that has influenced your journey?
My first role model is a French lady named Elisabeth Tona, or Eli, as we call her. She is the CEO of the liqueurs and spirits division within Rémy Cointreau. Ellie was my client who hired me, and she really taught me that a leader leads by example. We were a very lean team, and more often than not, it was just the two of us. She would be at the back of the event, washing glasses with me. If she saw water on the floor, she would take a cloth and get on her hands and knees to wipe it up. I found that to be super inspiring. She also taught me the importance of consistency, dependability, and having the determination to see things through.
My second mentor is Lyndea Dew, who serves as the APAC Marketing Director at Rémy Cointreau. Lyndea played a slightly different role for me; she is a woman who grooms her team to leave her for opportunities elsewhere within the group. She would try to understand where our interests lie to help us reach our full potential. For her, her greatest joy is when her birds leave the nest. I think that’s also really important as a leader—grooming your team and helping them to fly and achieve their highest potential.
What are some key skills or qualities that you believe are essential for women to succeed in the bar industry?
Passion, resilience, and adaptability.
“When you drink, know how much you can drink and keep track of how much you are drinking. It’s better to tap out and then go home than to try to keep up with the guys and wake up the next day with regrets.”
What advice would you offer to women aspiring to build careers in the bar industry?
Number one is to always behave professionally. I think in the bar industry, it’s really fun. You know, everybody’s having a great time, and it’s very easy to get carried away. So you have to place a strong emphasis on conducting yourself with professionalism. When you drink, first of all, know how much you can drink and keep track of how much you are drinking. Do not give in to peer pressure, and go home if you have to. It’s better to tap out and then go home than to try to keep up with the guys and wake up the next day with regrets.
Secondly, I think it’s important to treat everyone with respect, kindness, and empathy, because you never know who you might meet again a few years later. Someone who might be your competitor now could become your customer in the future, or perhaps even your coworker. The industry is very small, and people who choose this profession tend to stay within it for a long time.
Thirdly, I think it’s important to have confidence and not be afraid to speak about your achievements. I think, as Asians, and also as Asian women, we have a tendency to want to be seen as humble. We are taught from a young age not to toot our own horn, but you have to be your biggest advocate. Working hard is important, but knowing how to showcase your accomplishments is also a skill.
How do you think the bar industry can better support and empower women moving forward?
I think it’s about giving women opportunities to take leadership positions. For women in leadership positions, it’s about providing them with a platform to share their experiences, discuss their achievements, and ultimately support the next generation of women by offering mentorship opportunities and guidance.
What is your vision for the future of women in the bar industry, and how do you hope to contribute to that vision?
I hope to see more women embrace their interests and passions and follow their hearts. If the bar industry is where their hearts lie, they should definitely go for it. As the bar industry in Southeast Asia grows, we’re seeing more and more local markets organizing cocktail weeks or bar conventions. I try my best to attend as many of these as I can. I also try to take on a panel moderation role to facilitate discussions among leaders within that community or those flying in internationally. I hope this shows the women in those markets that female representation exists; even if it may not be prominent yet in their local market, they can play a role within the industry, and there is longevity.
Stay updated and follow Rachel Tann on her next adventure by checking out her Instagram @rtann.
Read more inspiring stories of women in the world of drinks.
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