Whitley Neill founder defects to V Spirits
V Spirits Company has appointed Johnny Neill as portfolio director to drive new product development and growth.
Neill is the founder of Whitley Neill gin, which is part of the Halewood Artisanal Spirits portfolio, and an eighth-generation distiller. He also founded Gelston’s Irish Whiskey and gin brand Berkshire Botanical.
Neill is no longer associated with Whitley Neill, Gelston’s, Berkshire Botanicals or Halewood, and is working solely for V Spirits.
In his new role, Neill will spearhead new product development, support strategic acquisitions, and help guide the company’s long-term growth both in the UK and internationally.
He said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining V Spirits Company at such an exciting time in its journey.
“Carl and Nicole Churchill have already built several incredibly successful businesses with entrepreneurial energy and flair. Their strategic vision aligns with my experience in long-term brand development and consumer engagement. I’m looking forward to working closely with them to develop and expand the V Spirits portfolio, bringing new ideas, exploring strategic acquisitions, and crafting new brands that truly resonate with consumers.
“Sustainability is a core value we share, and I’m excited to contribute to V Spirits’ mission of developing authentic brands that are as responsible as they are innovative.”
Hampshire-based V Spirits produces V Rum, which recently entered the ready-to-drink sector.
Co-founders Carl and Nicole Churchill added: “Securing someone of Johnny’s calibre is an incredibly important part of us realising the considerable ambition we have within the business and we are excited and delighted to see him join our hugely talented, growing team.
“His track record in creating household names and driving market growth and leadership speaks for itself. Johnny shares our belief in building brands that combine commercial success with cultural and environmental responsibility. His appointment sends a clear signal of our intent to grow V Spirits into a portfolio of leading, sustainable, premium spirit brands.”
The owner of V Spirits, V IP Brands, has been open about its desire to acquire established spirits brands and distilleries.
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