Oslo Håndverksdestilleri names new MD

Norwegian distillery Oslo Håndverksdestilleri (OHD) has hired Espen Tollefsen as its managing director.

Tollefsen, a ‘blue chip’ executive, joins the distillery from a variety of director and CEO roles in the commercial sector, where he has worked with large international and domestic Norwegian brands for more than 20 years.

“It’s an exciting time to join this already award-winning distillery,” Tollefsen said. “The team has done a great job of laying a foundation for success; my priority is to capitalise on the growing trend for akevitt, to drive organic growth while expanding our core portfolio’s reach in key markets.”

OHD was launched by drinks industry veteran Marcin Miller – who also co-founded The Kyoto Distillery – in January 2016. It is the first independent distillery in Norway since 1927.

The Oslo-based distillery’s inaugural products was Marka, a digestive bitter made from dandelion, bog myrtle and angelica root. Products that followed include Vidda Tørr Gin, a cask-aged akevitt and unaged akevitt.

Marius Vestnes, chairman of OHD, added: “This is a great opportunity for OHD as we recruit new drinkers across the globe and help them discover our wonderful products.

“Espen’s blue chip credentials are spotless and, coupled with the fact that he is an avid akevitt enthusiast, will allow OHD to progress to the next level domestically and in export markets.”