Pómelle snaps up former Lost Explorer CCO
Premium apéritif brand Pómelle has welcomed Sheyan Patel as its new global managing director, effective immediately.
Patel joins Pómelle after nearly six years at mezcal and Tequila brand The Lost Explorer, where he served as chief commercial officer (CCO) and helped to launch the brand in more than 25 markets.
He remains an active shareholder and investor in The Lost Explorer.
The appointment is said to come at a ‘pivotal moment’ for Pómelle, a pomelo and elderflower apéritif, with the Spritz category growing and establishing itself as a ‘defining serve of this era’.
Pómelle is crafted from pomelo, pink grapefruit, elderflower, and ginseng. Its profile sits in the space between sweet and bitter.
Its founder Malin Spano said: “Sheyan’s track record of building and scaling premium drinks brands internationally makes him the perfect partner to take Pómelle to the next level.
“His experience, network and passion for the category are exactly what we need at this stage of the brand’s journey.”
Beyond The Lost Explorer, Patel’s 20 years of experience in the drinks industry include 12 years at Diageo across marketing and commercial positions in Shanghai, Amsterdam and London.
He was also ventures director for Diageo’s accelerator programme, Distill Ventures.
He described Pómelle as “one of the most exciting opportunities in the drinks industry right now”.
“I have seen first-hand the shift towards lower-ABV, Spritz and daycap occasions amongst health-conscious consumers of all ages and genders, and Pómelle is positioned brilliantly to deliver for these consumers and occasions,” he said. “I am excited to work with Malin to build on what the brand has already achieved since 2023 and take her vision to a global stage.”
Swedish entrepreneur Spano founded Pómelle under its previous name Pomello in 2023.
Its recommended serve is the Pómelle Spritz, made with elderflower, sparkling wine and a wedge of fresh grapefruit.
Pómelle is available in the UK on the brand’s website, as well as at Selfridges, Hedonism Wines, The Whisky Exchange, Amathus, and Daylesford for £33 (US$43).
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