Ex-Mark Anthony Brands VP joins Church of Oak as CEO
Irish whiskey distillery Church of Oak has named former Mark Anthony Brands executive Enda O’Sullivan its new CEO.
Located in Monasterevin, County Kildare, Church of Oak was established in 2022 following an extensive redevelopment of Ballykelly Mills, a 200-year-old former mill and malthouse along the banks of Kildare’s span of The Grand Canal.
O’Sullivan, who has more than 20 years of experience in the global premium drinks industry, will join the distillery as its new CEO.
On his new role, O’Sullivan said: “It’s a privilege to be entrusted to work with the team at Church of Oak. I have been so impressed with the depth of care, provenance and innovative thinking that’s going into whiskey making at the distillery.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with the board and the team in Monasterevin as we take the project to the next stage in its exciting evolution.”
O’Sullivan has previously held senior positions in William Grant & Sons, including global brand director for Glenfiddich in Latin America and Grant’s whisky and Sailor Jerry Rum in London and Dublin.
He also spent several years leading the Schweppes portfolio at Asahi Beverages in Australia and began his career in sales and marketing at Ireland’s leading dairy group, Ornua, building the Kerrygold brand in Germany.
Most recently, he served as a vice-president of global spirits for Canadian drinks group Mark Anthony Brands.
Garrett Pitcher departs
O’Sullivan will succeed Garrett Pitcher who is moving on after eight years, following the completion of the design, planning and development phases of the project.
Richard Burrows, a shareholder in Church of Oak, said: “Enda has extensive international industry experience. His expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we bring Church of Oak to the next level. His appointment affirms our vision for Church of Oak as a new progressive force in world whiskey.
“We would like to pay tribute to Garrett as he moves on to pursue new opportunities. We wish him well and thank him for his passion and dedication, which has contributed in no small way to bringing Church of Oak to where it is today.”
Pitcher, co-founder and outgoing managing director, reflected his time at the distillery: “The past eight years have been an epic and rewarding journey. I am deeply proud to have led this team from inception, and I am incredibly grateful to have worked alongside them in building Church of Oak from the ground up.
“As the company evolves, and as Enda takes the helm, I wish him, my co-founders and the wider team the very best in writing the next exciting chapter of this liquid story.”
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