Distill Ventures names new North America MD

Diageo-backed investment unit Distill Ventures has appointed Heidi Dillon Otto as managing director of its North America arm.

Heidi Dillon Otto has been appointed managing director, North America at Distill Ventures

Otto will be responsible for overseeing the direction and operation of Distill Ventures North America and its team of drinks executives.

She succeeds Gonzalo de la Pezuela, a founding member of Distill Ventures North America who will leave at the end of June to pursue his own entrepreneurial ventures.

Frank Lampen, Distill Ventures CEO and co-founder, said: “Heidi’s appointment to managing director, North America is a tribute to the leadership, relationship skills and deep brand building experience she has demonstrated since joining the organisation and we are thrilled to have someone of her calibre to lead the team.

“In the near-term, we look forward to her leadership and guidance as together we nurture our portfolio companies.”

Furthermore, Evis Savvides will continue in his senior leadership role as operating partner, working to assist founders in the development and implementation of growth strategy.

Distill Ventures said Savvides played an important role in building and strengthening the North America portfolio.

In January this year, Distill Ventures hired former Brewdog executive Gareth Bath as European managing director.