Highclere Castle Spirits appoints Laurent Schun CEO
Laurent Schun, the former CEO of Angostura Holdings, has joined Highclere Castle Spirits as its new chief executive officer.
Schun assumed the CEO role at Highclere Castle Spirits on 10 November.
He joins the producer of Highclere Castle Gin after a career spanning three decades in the global beverage industry.
Most recently, Schun served as the CEO of Angostura Holdings.
He has also held senior leadership positions at Pernod Ricard, where he worked as both CEO and in executive sales and marketing roles, overseeing multiple market-leading brands across Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
As CEO, Schun will guide Highclere Castle Gin through its upcoming phase of international expansion, with a goal of reaching 140,000 annual cases by 2030, expanding distribution in the US, and enhancing the brand’s market position.
Schun said: “I am thrilled to join Highclere Castle Spirits at such an exciting inflexion point. Together, we will drive sustained global growth while preserving the craftsmanship and heritage that define Highclere Castle Gin.
Adam von Gootkin, who co-founded the company with The Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, will continue to serve as chairman and founder.
Von Gootkin will also continue to lead Highclere Castle Gin’s long-term strategy, partnerships, and brand vision. Lord and Lady Carnarvon will remain as co-founders and global brand ambassadors, preserving the brand’s lasting connection to its historic English estate.
“Laurent brings an exceptional track record in building high-value global beverage brands,” said von Gootkin.
“His leadership at Angostura and Pernod Ricard, coupled with his deep expertise in brand and commercial strategy, perfectly aligns with our mission to elevate Highclere Castle Gin into a household name worldwide.”
Highclere Castle Gin is crafted using botanicals from the Highclere Castle estate, the setting of the Downton Abbey series. Since its launch in 2019, the gin has garnered more than 230 international industry accolades.
Last month, the gin brand partnered with Kinetic Brands to launch in Canada through the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO).
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