Kate Jerkens

Katharine Jerkens is the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, overseeing all areas of sales, marketing, and distribution efforts for the brand throughout the United States and beyond. With more than 15 years of experience in the hotel and hospitality industry under her belt, Jerkens brings a fresh perspective to the spirits world and to her role as she works to solidify Uncle Nearest as a top premium spirits brand with distributors and at bars and restaurants worldwide.

Jerkens joined the Uncle Nearest team prior to its launch in 2017, when founder and CEO Fawn Weaver approached her about the idea of starting the whiskey brand. Her extensive experience leading sales teams and ability to grow and cultivate global companies through her leadership has proven invaluable for the brand, which reached nationwide distribution in less than two years after the initial launch. Under Jerkens, Uncle Nearest has become the fastest-growing independent American whiskey brand in history. What started as a temporary project for Jerkens quickly turned into a mission and role that now brings her an immense amount of pride. 

Previously, Jerkens served as Vice President of Sales for JRK Hotel Group, Director of Sales for Viceroy Hotels, and Director of Sales for SLS Beverly Hills and W Los Angeles. Jerkens also worked as a brand immersion trainer for W Hotels, which she credits with helping her understand the importance of developing a brand. A native Californian, Jerkens grew up in Monterey and Petaluma before moving to Los Angeles to attend the University of California Los Angeles. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and three children.