UK distiller Cygnet Gin has appointed former Diageo executive Vedran Milosevic as its new global managing director.
Milosevic spent more than a decade at Diageo, with his most recent role two years as global commercial director for the company’s luxury group unit.
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In a statement, Cygnet Gin said Milosevic “brings deep commercial acumen, strategic insight, and a passion for luxury execution and building culturally resonant brands”.
Nick Payne previously held the position of Cygnet managing director and led the brand’s initial seeding phase in the UK. Payne left Cygnet in December to join Welsh brewer SA Brains Company as MD.
“We are thrilled to welcome Vedran to our Cygnet family,” chairman Matteo Fantacchiotti said. “As we prepare for our next stage of growth, particularly in the UK and US, and strategically seed our presence in global luxury cities, knowing Vedran since many years I am very confident his leadership, global mindset and luxury expertise will be instrumental in accelerating our vision and implementation of our plans.”
Fantacchiotti, formerly Campari Group chief executive, invested in Cygnet and became chairman in December three months after he unexpectedly resigned from the Aperol maker.
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By GlobalDataCygnet recently launched its gin in Dubai and Singapore and plans to expand into US cities in the fourth quarter. It has a “secondary focus” on “luxury cities” in Europe and Asia.
“The brand is bold, modern and beautifully crafted, positioned perfectly for a new generation of luxury consumers. I’m looking forward to leading the exceptional team at Cygnet to drive ambitious growth across the world’s most influential cities,” Milosevic said.
Founded by singer Katharine Jenkins and artist and filmmaker Andrew Levitas, Wales-based Cygnet Gin has listings at UK retailers Waitrose and Marks and Spencer. Its products are also available at regional Tesco and Co-Op stores throughout Wales.
The company launched its Cygnet 77 gin variant in April, with an initial exclusivity period for UK luxury department store Harrods. The product will enter the on-trade at Hakkasan restaurant in London’s Mayfair from 6 June to 10 July.
Further listings for Cygnet 77 are due in Singapore and a launch plan is in development for the US in the fourth quarter, the company said.
