In July last year, Damian McKinney was the latest CEO to step down at Stoli Group. Fast forward to last month and McKinney unveiled his new venture, Dionilife, which will focus purely on non-alcoholic adult beverages. Global Drinks Intel sat down with the co-founder to learn about his aspirations for the business.Global Drinks Intel: It’s been 15 months since you left Stoli Group. What have you been up to?Dionilife co-founder Damian McKinney: I didn’t leave Stoli because it’s a bad company. What’s become even more important to me is a sense of building a company that isn't just about c
‘The consumer is voting with their feet and wants to see alcohol in a very different way’ – Dionilife co-founder Damian McKinney speaks to Global Drinks Intel
Dionilife launched in September with the acquisition of UK-based no-alcohol beer Mash Gang.

Olly has been reporting on the beverage industry as a B2B journalist since 2003. He spent 18 years at Just Drinks, 16 of which as managing editor. Since joining Global Drinks Intel in 2022, he's interviewed the CEOs for brand owners including AB InBev, Campari Group, Carlsberg, Heineken and Suntory Global Spirits and has a bulging contacts book from across beverage alcohol worldwide.



