Ex-Proximo execs start UK-based spirits agency

Dave Steward and Matt Mckee, former colleagues at Cuervo’s Proximo UK, have set up sales, distribution and marketing agency Magnetic Brands which aims to secure growth for “smaller premium drinks”.

Through the venture, Steward and Mckee hope to be a brand-building partner to help firms grow sales in UK and international markets.

Magnetic’s first clients include rye Italian whisky distillery Puni and Poland-made Vestal Vodka.

Steward brings more than 25 years’ experience in the drinks industry to the partnership, and served as managing director at Proximo Brands. He has also worked for Marblehead Brand Development and Pernod Ricard, and has overseen brands including Wyborowa, Maker’s Mark, Zubrowka, The Kraken and Sapporo.

Prior to joining Proximo, Mckee spent seven years at Hayman as head of UK sales. As Proximo general manager, he oversaw the transition of brands including Jose Cuervo Tequila and Bushmills Irish Whiskey from Diageo to the Proximo portfolio.

Magnetic is based in London’s Shoreditch, and in addition to its agency work is offering a consultancy service for spirits brands at an early stage of development.