Phillips Distilling names new CEO

Independently owned distilled spirits company Phillips Distilling has new leadership. The Minneapolis-based company appointed Andrew England its new CEO. 

England joins Phillips Distilling from National CineMedia, where he was CEO and director of the cinema media seller. In his new role, England will lead growth and expanded distribution of the company’s branded portfolio, as well well as oversee the company’s private label efforts under the Distiller Sales Co. and continue to expand Phillips’ contract manufacturing business in Princeton, Minn.

"After an extensive search, we are delighted to welcome Andy England as our new CEO," said Brad Johnson, principal shareholder and chair of Phillips Distilling. "We believe Andy's established track record and breadth of business experience in expanding distribution while delivering growth and returns are critical to lead our business. His strategic leadership and proven ability to identify opportunities for development will ensure Phillips Distilling continues to be a leading innovator in the spirits industry."

Besides his time at CineMedia, England brings to Phillips a 10-year stint at MillerCoors, where he led the company’s 200-person marketing and strategy department in revamping the go-to-market approach for such brands as Coors Light and Miller Light. England’s efforts brought Coors Light to the No.2 share brand in beer, overtaking Budweiser, and included three-fold increase in Blue Moon and the launch of Redd’s Apple Ale. 

"This is an extraordinary time in the marketplace. I am excited for the opportunity to join a company that has been producing some of America's most celebrated spirits for over a century,"  England said. "The company's focus on leading with innovation while continuing to grow its strong existing portfolio of spirits will allow me to build upon my past experience to help take the company to the next level."