Former Campari Group CEO Matteo Fantacchiotti has joined upmarket spirits brand Cygnet Gin as a partner and chairman.
Fantacchiotti, whose stint as Campari CEO lasted just five months from April to September, would aid Cygnet in its mission to “revolutionise the way people enjoy gin globally”, said co-founder, artist and film-maker Andrew Levitas.
Cygnet, founded by Levitas and classical singer Katherine Jenkins last year, is listed in selected Tesco, Waitrose, M&S and Co-op stores, as well as in Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols and on Master of Malt.
In the on-premise, it is stocked in outlets including Caprice Holdings, D&D, Tao Group, The Ivy Collection, Searcys, and Gaucho.
Its flagship Cygnet 22 Welsh Dry Gin contains a total of 22 botanicals, as well as manuka honey,
“After decades in the luxury spirits sector and as a devoted gin adorer, it was exhilarating to connect with the founders of Cygnet,” said Fantacchiotti. “Katherine, Andrew and I share a common vision to pioneer the luxury gin category.
In comments that echoed those made by Sipsmith master distiller Jared Brown earlier this year, Fantacchiotti said: “The recent gin trend, and subsequent diversification of the category that saw a broad array of colour and flavour innovation, hasn’t always stayed true to the category or enhanced the consumer experience.
“With this exceptional brand it’s time to shift the paradigm and offer consumers the quality and experiences they truly deserve through elevating the category with luxury gin,” he added.
Fantacchiotti brought “over 25 years of leadership expertise in premium and luxury consumer goods” to Cygnet, including stints with Nestlé, Diageo and Carlsberg Group, as well as Campari, said Levitas.
His experience “pioneering Diageo’s global luxury business and most recently as global CEO of Campari Group” made him the “ideal partner” for Cygnet, he added.
Fantacchiotti replaced long-standing Campari Group CEO Bob Kunze-Concewitz in April, but quit unexpectedly in September, citing personal reasons.
Campari last week announced it would appoint former William Grant & Sons CEO Simon Hunt as Fantacchiotti’s successor from January 2025.
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