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Ryan McFarland joins Drinksology
Ginato Gin owner Drinksology Kirker Greer (DKG) has named ex-Molson Coors director Ryan McFarland as its new chief commercial and strategy officer.
McFarland previously held the role of growth and innovation director at Molson Coors, covering the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific regions.
In the new role with Drinksology Kirker Greer, McFarland will also serve as an executive board member, shaping the business by implementing brand and geographic expansion strategies, as well as building a team.
Steven Pattison, CEO of DKG said: “The business is readying itself for growth, we are investing to make that happen and Ryan’s experience to date suits us perfectly to support this next stage.
“Having spent over 20 years in the industry, he has gained a great reputation for building high-performing teams and strong customer relationships.
“He will use this experience to help develop and execute our growth strategies for not only the business but our brands too. It is a very exciting time for DKG as we seek to unlock the huge potential that awaits us globally.”
McFarland has also worked for Rémy Cointreau, Bacardi and Brown-Forman.
He said: “Coming from Northern Ireland myself, it has always been my ambition to take a Belfast-based business to scale globally and I believe DKG has a portfolio of exceptional brands to do this, backed with a solid innovation pipeline, passionate people and a world of untapped opportunity.
“I am starting to develop a clear strategic direction for the brands on a global scale, with an immediate focus on the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. I look forward to executing that plan with not only the fantastic team DKG has already in place, but building that team too over the coming years.”
DKG’s portfolio includes Ukiyo Japanese Spirits, Kirker Shamrock Whiskey, and Jawbox Irish Gin.
In April, Kirker created six bottles of a special edition 25-year-old blended whiskey, which were given to political figures ‘pivotal’ to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
More recently, Kirker appointed David Rose as its regional director for great Britain.