CVH Spirits, the former international business of Distell Group, has confirmed a change of CEO with Kate Rycroft making way for Steven Nathan.
The switch, which took effect at the start of this month, sees Rycroft “leave the business to pursue other interests” after 20 years with Distell. The company, which oversees the Amarula liqueur brand for Heineken as well as the Scotch whisky brands owned by Distell prior to Heineken’s takeover this year, has turned to former international MD Nathan to assume the helm.
Nathan, who was appointed to be a director of CVH in June, led Distell International for almost four years until 2018 when he left to found his own company, Le Super Spirit, in Cape Town. Rycroft moved internally to take on the international MD role in early 2021.
“Kate’s tenure has been one of real success with several outstanding accomplishments, and on behalf of CVH Spirits I wish her every luck for the future,” said chair Jan du Toit. “Steven is extremely passionate about this business and building on the legacy that has already been established.”
Following the completion of Heineken’s purchase of majority control of Distell in March, South African conglomerate Remgro, the main beneficiary from the transaction, chose to retain its holding in Distell’s Capevin Holdings subsidiary, rebranding the business as CVH Spirits. The unit is responsible for the Bunnahabhain, Deanston and Tobermory single malts, blended Scotch brands Black Bottle and Scottish Leader and the export operations for much of Distell’s wine portfolio.
Global Drinks Intel has learned that Amarula and the wine export business will revert to Heineken Beverages’ international division, based out of South Africa during the first half of next year.
Also this week, former Distell CEO Richard Rushton was announced as an investor in South Africa’s Tiny Keg Can Co.
