Distil announces commercial director appointment and Marussia partnership

London-based drinks company Distil – owner of brands such as RedLeg Spiced Rum, Blackwoods Gin and Vodka and TRØVE Botanical - has announced the appointment of Alex Baker as its new commercial director, while simultaneously revealing a new distribution agreement with Marussia Beverages UK.

Baker begun his career in sales with Nestle Purina, before moving into the drinks industry with a role at William Grant & Sons, leading the commercial delivery to key retailers such as Sainsburys, Morrisons & Waitrose. Most recently, he held the position of Business Unit Controller, Grocery, eCommerce, Convenience and Discounters at spirits distributor Hi-Spirits.

Distil expects Baker to play a pivotal role in fulfilling the company’s ambitions in regard to growth, with his role giving him responsibility for directly managing major UK off-trade customers.

On the appointment of Baker, Distil’s executive chairman Don Goulding said: “We are excited to welcome Alex Baker to the team in the newly created role of Commercial Director, directly responsible for all sales across domestic and international markets. His wide experience within the premium spirits market and close knowledge of our brands and customers is invaluable to help drive our business forward and deliver strong results to support our growth ambitions.”

Meanwhile, Distil’s new partnership with Marussia Beverages will begin 1 October, with the move said to help effectively service the UK on-trade and regional retail within its new business model. The team at Marussia working with Distil will be responsible for managing key national and regional retail accounts, as well as new product development. The new agreement follows Distil’s decision to withdraw its spirits portfolio from Hi-Spirits.

Trevenson Weeks at Marussia Beverages commented on the partnership: “We’re delighted to be working with Distil across its brands which complement our existing portfolio. We are particularly excited to be adding Blackwoods to the portfolio at such a significant time for the brand. The launch of the new vintage and build of its new brand home on the Ardgowan Estate, which is progressing apace, provides us with a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of the brand. Redleg is one of the UK’s fastest growing brands, and we expect to accelerate this growth further in our key national and regional on trade customers.

14 July 2022 - Bradley Weir