John M. Medley

About John M. Medley

I am the Senior Research & Development Director at Sazerac, leading multinational, cross-functional R&D organizations across analytical chemistry, sensory science, product development, packaging engineering, and manufacturing support. My work focuses on building scalable innovation systems that align scientific rigor with commercial execution.I have designed, built, and launched two advanced laboratories, including an ISO/IEC 17025–accredited analytical facility, strengthening global quality, compliance, and data-driven decision making. By implementing standardized methodologies, governance structures, and KPIs, I improved execution discipline—enabling >90% one-time, on-time delivery of new product development projects while expanding the active project portfolio by more than 3×.I transitioned into the distilled spirits industry in 2014, joining Buffalo Trace Distillery after prior roles spanning consumer goods and pharmaceutical development, technology transfer and manufacturing operations, and aerospace materials engineering. In 2025, I relocated to Lucerne, Switzerland to support and lead Sazerac’s global R&D operations.With 20+ years of experience, I am an inventor on five issued patents and author of multiple peer-reviewed publications. My current research, under review at Nature Chemical Communications, applies explainable AI to link production variables, chemistry, sensory attributes, and consumer preference—advancing both innovation and business insight.

Experience

1. Senior Director Research Development

   Sazerac Company

   Oct 2025 — Present · Lucerne, CH

   Research & Innovation LeadershipSenior Research & Development Director at Sazerac, leading multinational, cross-functional R&D teams across analytical chemistry, sensory science, product development, packaging engineering, and manufacturing supportBuilt and scaled a global R&D organization, enabling disciplined innovation while maintaining rigorous quality and compliance standards🧪 Laboratories & Technical InfrastructureLed the design, fit-out, and start-up of two advanced laboratories, including establishment of an ISO/IEC 17025–accredited analytical labImplemented standardized methodologies, governance, and data-driven decision frameworks across global operations Operational Excellence & DeliveryImplemented KPIs and performance management systems that improved accountability and predictabilityAchieved >90% one-time, on-time execution of new product development projects while expanding the active project portfolio more than 3×🥃 Spirits Industry & Prior ExperienceTransitioned into the distilled spirits industry in 2014, joining Buffalo Trace DistilleryPrevious roles spanning consumer goods and pharmaceutical product development, technology transfer and manufacturing operations, and aerospace materials engineeringFormer Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry, with ongoing commitment to mentorship and education Global LeadershipRelocated from the U.S. to Lucerne, Switzerland (2025) to support and lead global R&D operations Research, IP & EducationAuthor of multiple peer-reviewed publications and inventor on four issued patentsPh.D. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering; M.S. in Organic Chemistry

Education

• University of Kentucky

  Ph.D., Chemical Engineering

  2006 — 2009

• University of Michigan

  MS, Chemistry

  1996 — 1997

• Transylvania University

  BA, Chemistry

  1992 — 1996

• University of Kentucky

  MS, Chemical Engineering

  1997 — 2000

Skills

• Titration
• Cgmp Manufacturing
• Nmr
• Validation
• Polymer Characterization
• R&D
• Sop
• Engineering
• Tga
• Kinetics
• Uv-Vis
• Uv/Vis
• Gc-Ms
• Technical Writing
• Organic Chemistry
• Sem
• Thermodynamics
• Quality by Design
• Statistical Data Analysis
• Higher Education
• Characterization
• Problem Solving
• Spectroscopy
• Physical Chemistry
• Thermal Analysis
• Chromatography
• Ir
• Cleaning Validation
• Methods Development
• Ellipsometry
• Pharmaceutical Process Development
• Data Analysis
• Gpc
• Product Development
• Cgmp Practices
• Polymer Chemistry
• Bourbon
• Sensory Evaluation
• Wine & Spirits Industry
• Analytical Chemistry