Ex-BrewDog and Chapel Down boss joins Distill

He will be responsible for ensuring the company maintains a strong reputation alongside managing the day-to-day operations of the London-based team as it works to support the current portfolio, bring in new brands and share its expertise globally.

Bath brings more than a decade of experience, having held managing director roles at BrewDog and Chapel Down’s beer and cider division, and Curious Drinks – where he helped co-ordinate the rebrand of the winemaker’s beer business and construction of its 40,000hl brewery in Ashford, Kent.

Rapidly scale

On his appointment, Bath said: “Distill Ventures has quickly developed its reputation for successfully building some of the most innovative brands in the industry so joining the company and working alongside the best talent in drinks is an incredibly exciting opportunity. I look forward to finding and supporting the best founders across Europe to rapidly scale their businesses.”

Distill Ventures has claimed it has committed more than £60m to more than 15 founder-led drinks brands, enabling them to reach new heights.

It has offices in London and New York, and claims the expertise of its team means it has a strong global presence.

Major growth

The business is partnered with Diageo and, as its sole investor, can provide assistance to portfolio companies in many forms.

Distill Ventures CEO and co-founder Frank Lampen welcomed Bath to the business. He said: “His experience overseeing major growth at BrewDog and Chapel Down lends itself perfectly to what we do here at Distill Ventures.

“We’re confident he will deliver on our ambitious portfolio growth plans across the alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories, while ensuring we continue to be one of the most rewarding and exciting places to work in the drinks industry.”