lllva Saronno appoints global CCO
Robert Cullins has been promoted to global chief commercial officer (CCO) at Italian drinks group lllva Saronno.
Cullins will start the newly-created role on 1 April.
The group said it created the global CCO role to “address more effectively the increasingly demanding global challenges”, as well as its ever-growing portfolio.
A strong global commercial team will support Cullins, who will lead executives responsible for different geographic macro-areas in which the company operates.
Cullins currently serves as the executive vice-president of Americas and CEO for Disaronno International, and will continue to hold the CEO position at the US entity after commencing the new role.
He joined the group in March 2022 and also acts as CEO for Sagamore Spirit, of which Illva Saronno purchased a majority stake in September 2023.
Before joining the group, he held the CEO position at Stoli, and was regional director of North America for Gruppo Montenegro.
Illva Saronno’s spirits portfolio includes its flagship Italian liqueur Disaronno, as well brands such as Tia Maria, The Busker Irish Whiskey, Artic Vodka, and Isolabella Limoncello.
Last year, the company found space for two more brands in the portfolio, Amaro Averna and Zedda Piras, after completing a €100 million (US$117.2m) deal to acquire the Italian liqueurs from Campari Group.
CEO Marco Ferrari expressed openness to acquisitions in an interview with The Spirits Business last summer during the company’s 500th anniversary celebrations.
Illva Saronno said 90% of its revenue comes from foreign markets and its international division “remains a cornerstone”.
“Over the years, the group has reached significant scale thanks to both organic and inorganic growth: an annual consolidated turnover of approximately €400 million (US$472m), a workforce of more than 800 employees, and a presence in more than 160 countries,” it added.
Earlier this month the company’s UK arm, Disaronno UK, launched its Pitch It Program that aims to help bartenders take the next step in their career.
In January, Disaronno UK also relocated its offices from Bishop’s Stortford to Shoreditch in east London.
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