Amber Beverage UK welcomes new MD
Spirits distributor and brand-builder Amber Beverage UK (ABUK) has appointed Pavel Verblyudenko as its new managing director.
Verblyudenko is set to assume the role of managing director at ABUK with a clear mandate: to strengthen operational foundations, rebuild momentum, and position the company as the leading independent premium spirits distributor in the UK.
He will take over the role from Sam Thackeray, who assumed it in early 2023.
The new appointment is said to signal ABUK’s decisive investment in leadership, structure and a long-term partnership.
According to Normunds Stanevich, CEO of Amber Beverage Group, the UK is one of the most important markets for the company, both as a strategic distribution platform and brand-building opportunities.
“Pavel’s appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening our UK operations with experienced, results-driven leadership,” said Stanevich. “I am confident he has the commercial acumen and transformation experience to unlock the full potential of what ABUK can be.”
Verblyudenko brings more than 25 years of international commercial leadership, transformation expertise, and extensive category knowledge to ABUK.
He has held senior leadership positions at globally recognised fast-moving consumer goods and beverage companies. Notably, during his nearly 10-year tenure at Procter & Gamble, he developed go-to-market strategies across Eastern Europe and managed complex distribution operations in 10 Southern African markets.
Additionally, Verblyudenko served as general manager at Brown-Forman in Russia, with full profit-and-loss responsibility.
Verblyudenko commented on his appointment: “I am honoured to take the helm at Amber Beverage UK at such a pivotal moment for the business. ABUK has a remarkable heritage of brand-building and a portfolio of exceptional spirits brands.
“My mandate is clear: to execute a comprehensive business turnaround that will unlock the full commercial potential of this platform. Drawing on my experience in restructuring distribution operations, redesigning go-to-market strategies, and building high-performing multicultural teams, I am confident we can transform ABUK into the leading independent spirits distribution business in the UK.
“We will sharpen our commercial execution, invest in our people, strengthen key customer partnerships, and leverage data-driven revenue management to deliver sustainable, profitable growth.”
ABUK’s portfolio features more than 60 international brands, including the Stoli Vodka range, Writer’s Tears, and The Irishman whiskeys. Recently, the company acquired the Ten Locks portfolio and is now the UK distributor for El Tequileño, Lind & Lime Gin, and Portobello Road Distillery.
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