Drinksology Kirker Greer (DKG) has appointed Ryan McFarland as chief commercial and strategy officer. In the new role, McFarland will be serving as an executive board member and shaping the business by implementing both brand and geographic expansion strategies in addition to building a world-class team to execute against them at pace.
“The business is readying itself for growth, we are investing to make that happen and [McFarland’s] experience to date suits us perfectly to support this next stage,” said Steven Pattison, CEO of DKG. “Having spent over 20 years in the industry, he has gained a great reputation for building high-performing teams and strong customer relationships. He will use this experience to help develop and execute our growth strategies for not only the business, but our brands too. It is a very exciting time for DKG as we seek to unlock the huge potential that awaits us globally.”
“Coming from Northern Ireland myself, it has always been my ambition to take a Belfast-based business to scale globally and I believe DKG has a portfolio of exceptional brands to do this, backed with a solid innovation pipeline, passionate people and a world of untapped opportunity,” said McFarland. “I am starting to develop a clear strategic direction for the brands on a global scale, with an immediate focus on the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. I look forward to executing that plan with not only the fantastic team DKG has already in place, but building that team too, over the coming years.”
One of DKG’s divisions includes Kirker Greer Spirits which owns, manages and distributes a range of premium spirit brands internationally. Its portfolio includes brands such as Ukiyo Japanese Spirits, Kirker Shamrock Whiskey, Ginato Italian Gin and Jawbox Irish Gin. Their portfolio has been awarded accolades such as Best Gin in Australia, Best Gin in the U.K., Vodka of the Year and gold medals at the IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition.
The second division of DKG, Drinksology Creative, is a design, branding and marketing agency which specializes in the world of alcohol, and has designed bars, brands and brand homes around the world, including The Dead Rabbit, New York; The Johnnie Walker Experience, Edinburgh; and Roe & Co Distillery, Dublin.
