Diageo-backed Distill Ventures has confirmed a change of CEO as co-founder Frank Lampen makes way for Heidi Dillon.
The brand accelerator unit, which operates exclusively for Diageo, has made the change ahead of the tenth anniversary of the partnership later this year. Lampen will transition to become chair of Distill Ventures, with Dillon moving up from the MD position in North America.
Lampen co-founded Distill Ventures in 2013, since when Diageo has added five brands sourced by the company to its portfolio, including Seedlip alcohol-free spirit and most recently Australian cold brew coffee liqueur business Mr Black last year.
“DV has become an integral part of Diageo’s acquisition and growth strategy,” said Disgeo’s VP of global ventures, Eugene Khabensky. “Frank’s leadership and contribution to DV and Diageo has been immense in helping DV become what it is today – an industry-leading accelerator programme.
“Under Heidi’s leadership, I’ve no doubt that we’ll continue to build the next generation of iconic brands together.”
Back in September, Dan Gasper, who founded the company along with Lampen and Shilen Patel, launched a new incubator business, The Ardent Co.
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