Elephant Gin founders step down
The founders of Elephant Gin, Robin and Tessa Gerlach, have left the business after more than 10 years.
The husband-and-wife team combined their passion for elephant conservation with distillation to create a gin brand, and sold their first bottle in September 2013.
In August 2022, the pair launched The Elephant Gin Foundation as a non-profit organisation to help protect African wildlife.
The following year, the gin brand – which is certified B Corp – opened a distillery in Hamburg, Germany, to increase its production capacity.
Tessa Gerlach told The Spirits Business: “Fact of the matter is that it’s looking like I have to shut down the foundation as there isn’t a steady flow of funds coming from Elephant Gin at the moment.
“It breaks my heart, but I will always be committed to, and looking for new ventures to support elephant conservation, and that is at the forefront of my mind as I look ahead at my own career and new adventures.
“I’m still speaking to the new owner about options for direct donation to elephant projects that I/we had been supporting in the past. Robin and I remain passionate about elephant conservation as a central part of Elephant Gin’s mission and values – after all, what is left if you take the elephant out of Elephant Gin? Just another gin.
“I am consulting with the new owner and sincerely hope that the important elephant projects that we have donated to for the past decade will continue.”
She stressed she remains hopeful the gin brand will continue its conservation efforts in some capacity in the future.
Carl-Lambert Leisewitz acquired Elephant Gin in 2024 after the former owner failed to finance the previously agreed business plan. Compagnia dei Caraibi had bought the brand at the end of 2022 for an undisclosed sum.
A statement from the company’s management said: “Elephant Gin announces that co-founders Robin and Tessa Gerlach have decided to step down from their operational roles after more than 10 years of building and leading the company.
“Under their leadership, Elephant Gin established a strong market position and a reputation for combining premium craftsmanship with a commitment to wildlife conservation. The company has donated over €1 million [US$1.1m] to conservation initiatives and has earned recognition from the global spirits community.
“Elephant Gin remains committed to its core mission and values. The existing leadership team, supported by new strategic initiatives, will continue to drive the brand’s growth across international markets.
“We thank Robin and Tessa Gerlach for their contributions and leadership and wish them success in their future endeavours. Elephant Gin is well-positioned for the next phase of its development, and the company looks forward to continuing to deliver premium products and lasting impact.”
Under Tessa and Robin’s guidance, the company was the Runner-Up in the Ethical Award category at The Spirits Business Awards 2024.
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