Sponsored article: Celebrating influential women across the drinks industry
Annie Harrity
Key Account Manager Scotland at Global Brands
How long have you been in the industry?
Around 15 years.
What is the best thing about working in the licensed trade?
The heart of this industry is all about building new relationships and creating experiences that genuinely stick with people. Every day brings new faces, new conversations, and new chances to make someone’s visit feel special.
It’s a space where pushing boundaries is part of the excitement, you’re always experimenting with and trying fresh ideas, and finding creative ways to elevate the customer experience. When you thrive on connection and love bringing new concepts to life.
What challenges have you faced as a woman working in the industry?
Work/life balance, juggling being a mum and family life, and working full time. Finding a company that supports you with this is key.
Switching between those roles, nurturing at home and trying to deliver exceptional service at work can be exhausting, especially when both expect you to be ‘on’ all the time.
Finding that balance often means making tough choices, setting boundaries, and learning to give yourself grace.
Who has been the most influential mentor in your career so far, and what did you learn from them?
Cheryl Gordon showed me that it’s entirely possible to build a successful career while raising a young child. She helped me see that becoming a parent doesn’t mean pressing pause on my ambitions — my career can continue to grow and thrive.
What advice would you give a young woman starting out in hospitality in 2026?
Get out there, attend events, meet new people, and share your experience helps you build a strong network and open new opportunities. Keep learning, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who challenge and support you.
And through it all, don’t lose sight of your work–life balance with intention and boundaries, you can create space for both your career and your personal life to thrive.
Global Brands | Creators of Tasty Liquids You Love Since 1997
Annie Keegan Harrity | LinkedIn
