Sharing Beers With: Scott Jones

How often do you get to meet an Oxford University Biochem major turned strategy analyst? Now is your chance! With the second post in my series of sharing beers with colleagues, I’m meeting the inspiring Scott Jones!

Meet Scott Jones:

Scott is a Data Analytics and Modelling Manager for Carlsberg Group’s Strategy and Digital Business Transformation departments. He is of British origin and with his Oxford degree in biochemistry, Scott probably has one of the more unusual backgrounds with a move to strategy in the beer industry.

Outside of work, Scott is an avid rugby fan and someone that I try to chase when Carlsberg Beerrunners (running club) are sprinting up the unforgiving Valby Hill.

5 quick questions:

Every other week, I will meet with a colleague over a couple of beers and ask them 5 casual questions. With this, I hope to show the world some of the awesome personalities I meet every day in the hallways at Carlsberg.

1. What’s your beer of choice?

I think it depends, but Tuborg Classic is my all-round choice for most occasions. In the UK, classic-style beers are not well-known, so when I moved to Denmark, I loved this new perfectly balanced beer with sweet malt flavours. It’s the beer I always keep a six-pack of at home.

Having said that, Beerlao is a beer I really miss! Last year, I was working on a project in Laos and this beer was just incredibly tasty. They serve it in small glasses with ice cubes – and it’s super refreshing in that heat!

2. When and why did you join Carlsberg?

I joined Carlsberg at the beginning of 2019.  I was looking to move to Denmark, and was put in contact with Joris Huijsmans, at that time in Group Strategy (now MD Carlsberg Export & License). We had a coffee, which turned into a few interviews and eventually an offer. All the way through, I was struck by the professionalism and caliber of everyone I spoke to. Combine this with an industry whose products everyone loves to have an opinion on, and it was an easy offer to accept.

I’ve tried a few jobs and I really would describe this as the best job I’ve had! Having previously worked in management consulting and then the insights function of a hotel group, this role strikes the perfect balance between strategy and analytics, which at the end of the day is all about telling good stories.

I’ve tried a few jobs and I really would describe this as the best job I’ve had!

3. What's one of the coolest projects you've been involved in at Carlsberg?

If I have to pick a favourite project, I’d say that it was quite cool to go out to Laos to work with the senior management on strategic plans for the next few years. It’s a fantastic business, and I was very impressed with the loyalty to the brand both within the company and among consumers.

It was a great project where myself and LBC (Lao Brewery Company) colleagues analysed interesting internal and external data, shaping and refining for a series of workshops before reaching a set of draft conclusions that were assessed from a multi-functional perspective.

When you normally work out of the headquarter, it’s a great experience to get into a market and meet the people who make the business what it is. It was truly invigorating to work with our Lao colleagues. I certainly brought their passion, enthusiasm and market understanding with me back to Copenhagen.

4. Can you recommend a book/podcast/movie that has influenced your life and career?

It’s a tricky question. Perhaps I can offer two half-answers? I read through The Economist newspaper every week, and I’ve noticed in their writing style some useful principles to perhaps apply in one’s professional life.

1. Have an opinion.
2. Support your opinion with easily searchable data and replicable analysis.
3. Put the issue into perspective with other issues.
4. Be ready to change your opinion when the data/circumstances change.
5. Be the first to admit when you’re wrong.

The other part of my answer is that I just read a fascinating trilogy of novels called The Cicero Trilogy. Cicero was a famous roman politician and I think the book offers some interesting life lessons told through his rise and fall, particularly for anyone working towards a long-term professional goal.

5. What makes Carlsberg special?

I read the article of your previous conversation with Steve Stringer and I fully agree that the people around you make all the difference.

For my own answer, it’s inspiring to work for a company where the pride and passion of all our founders, among others J.C. Jacobsen in 1847, is still felt in the innovative work of today. 

That heritage is both humbling and energizing and I believe it inspires my colleagues and I to constantly pursue better – from maintaining relevant brands to contributing to a better society. I haven’t met anyone who just turns up here and counts the hours until they can go home. It’s just easy to be proud of this company!

Cheers!

Stay tuned for the next post in the series!