Key Results
- Placed a Board of Directors member, CEO, Director of Marketing, and VP of Finance, transforming Bespoken Spirits’ leadership team.
Immediate Impact
- The placement of key roles has significantly enhanced Bespoken Spirits’ capabilities in R&D and supply chain management. These hires supported the company’s commitment to high-quality, sustainable products.
Building a Strategic Partnership
We placed a seasoned spirits industry veteran as CEO of Bespoken Spirits, marking a pivotal turning point for the company. The new CEO swiftly refocused the product portfolio, streamlining from 8-12 SKUs down to just three core whiskey products: Bourbon, Rye, and American Whiskey. This laser-focused approach allowed Bespoken to sharpen its expertise and optimize operations.
Next, we conducted the search for a key Board Member—someone with deep spirits industry knowledge to complement the existing board’s diverse backgrounds. We secured a top-tier candidate from Mast-Jägermeister USA, bringing invaluable expertise to bridge the industry's complexities for those unfamiliar with its intricacies.
Leveraging our specialized knowledge, we identified and addressed critical gaps for both the CEO and Board. We placed candidates who not only possessed deep experience in this highly regulated industry but also excelled in effectively communicating insights to non-spirits professionals, driving alignment across the leadership team.
An Advisory Approach
For the VP of Finance role, Bespoken's initial goal was straightforward: streamline costs by bringing financial functions in-house and strengthen their leadership team. However, after analyzing the talent landscape and aligning it with Bespoken’s business objectives, we identified a significant opportunity. We advised them to seek a more senior leader—someone with the vision and financial acumen to drive lasting impact. This pivotal shift was key to maximizing both the immediate efficiencies and long-term growth potential of the role. With our guidance, Bespoken secured a leader poised to shape their future success.
Delivering Results
We conducted comprehensive searches and successfully placed a Board Member, the CEO, the Director of Marketing, and the VP of Finance. These placements were crucial in driving Bespoken’s direction and operational efficiency. The CEO set a clear vision for growth and culture, the Director of Marketing brought the brand strategy in-house, and the VP of Finance enabled the company to cut costs.
Impact
Since our involvement, Bespoken Spirits has opened a new facility in Lexington, KY, marking a significant milestone in its expansion efforts. The new leadership and operational teams have driven innovation and the development of high-quality products, positioning Bespoken for continued success.
By securing top talent in critical roles, Bespoken has been able to maximize the effectiveness of its brand, forge new partnerships, and leverage proprietary technology to enhance its products. This targeted approach has enabled them to reach their business objectives and continue their impressive growth trajectory.
Our partnership with Bespoken Spirits exemplifies how targeted talent solutions and advisory approach can support a company’s ambitious growth objectives and operational excellence.