Drinks accelerator Distill Ventures announces leadership transition
Distill Ventures has appointed Heidi Dillon, currently Managing Director of North America, as the drinks accelerator’s new Chief Executive.
Current Chief Executive, Frank Lampen, will continue to work in the business in his new role as Founder and Chair.
“Since 2020, Heidi has successfully led DV’s US business, and as Chief Executive, she will build on her track record, keeping DV on the leading edge of emerging drinks trends and finding and developing the most talented founders and their brands,” says Distill Ventures.
“Heidi has played a central role in building DV’s non-alcoholic drinks practice and has helped to shape perceptions of the segment, notably supporting the US growth of non-alcoholic brand Seedlip, prior to it moving into the Diageo portfolio, and the launch of Ritual Zero Proof.
“Heidi has also led the creation and launch of DV’s ‘Pre-Accelerator’ program, which seeks to improve access to seed funding for entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented communities. 15 brands have received investment from Diageo through this programme since its inception in July 2021.”
Under Frank Lampen’s leadership, Distill Ventures’ portfolio has expanded across ‘high-growth and disruptive categories’ and it now employs more than 500 people across the US, Japan, Europe and Australia.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer, DV’s partnership with Diageo has facilitated five acquisitions by Diageo, including non-alcoholic distilled spirit Seedlip, Australian cold brew coffee liqueur Mr Black, Japanese rice whisky Kikori and German vermouth Belsazar.