United Sodas of America CEO Zupan Steps Down
United Sodas of America co-founder Marisa Zupan announced she has stepped down as the brand’s CEO and will move into an advisory role with the company. She hands the reins over to co-founder Craig Roscoe, the company’s largest shareholder who is assuming the CEO role.
“After three incredible years serving as co-founder and CEO of United Sodas, I have made the decision, with the support of my co-founders, to transition from the CEO role into a brand advisory role, and forever United Sodas advocate,” Zupan wrote in a LinkedIn post this week. “Building the United Sodas brand and team has been one of the most important and enriching experiences of my life and I am exceptionally proud of the work we’ve done together and with all of our best-in-class industry partners.”
Founded in 2019, United Sodas of America produces a line of low sugar, low calorie sodas available in 12 flavors. Marked by its colorful, minimalist can design, the brand launched as a direct-to-consumer exclusive in 2020 before rolling out to retail stores last year.
Zupan previously worked as a corporate strategy consultant for beverage, beauty and fashion companies, including The Coca-Cola Company, Nestlé, Pernod Ricard. Though she did not specify in the post, she hinted at a new project in the works stating only that “it is something I’m extremely excited about and will be sharing more about in the coming months.”
“We’re excited to officially announce that United Sodas co-founder Craig Roscoe is assuming the role of CEO to continue scaling the company and driving its ongoing success,” the company wrote in a statement. “His longtime entrepreneurial background and shared brand vision with former CEO Marisa Zupan will ensure a seamless transition as she becomes a trusted brand advisor. The team at United Sodas is so grateful for Marisa’s dedication and support over the past few years. We’re looking forward to this new chapter in our soda journey with our passionate team and all-star partners to grow nationwide throughout 2023 and beyond.”
Icelandic Glacial CEO Elevated to Group CEO of Holding Company
Icelandic Glacial CEO Reza Mirza has gotten a promotion. The premium bottled water maker announced that Mirza, who has served as CEO since 2014, will also serve as Group CEO of the brand’s holding company, Icelandic Water Holdings, effective September 1.
According to the company, Mirza has crafted and overseen Icelandic Glacial’s global growth strategy, including its expansion into 54,000 doors in the U.S. and over 400 luxury hotels and airports.
“I am honored to serve in an expanded role to also lead Icelandic Water Holdings and group companies,” Mirza said in a release. “Along with our founders, Jon and Kristjan Olafsson, I am excited about the future as we continue our focus on building Icelandic Glacial into a Global powerhouse. As we have done in Iceland and the U.S., we will be in the top 3 imports in every market we are in. We have an amazing brand, an exceptional team, an expanding loyal customer base and a valuable source in the Olfus Spring to deliver the purest tasting water.”
BHAKTA Spirits Names New CEO
Luxury spirits portfolio company BHAKTA Spirits has named Sean O’Rourke as CEO, assuming responsibility for the company’s operations across its Vermont, Florida and France facilities.
“I am confident that Sean is the perfect person to build on BHAKTA’s momentum, execute Griswold’s opening as a one-of-a-kind spirits experience, and launch the next slate of brands in our entertaining portfolio—which will soon grow to include an Armagnac-finished bourbon, a deeply-aged rum, an innovative global whiskey, and much, much more,” said founder Raj Peter Bhakta in a release. “Sean is a consummate industry insider with significant experience working across every facet of the drinks business. He thinks big, and wins big results.”
O’Rourke previously served as general manager for Sazerac–owned Bond & Royal. He’s previously held roles at Fedway Associates and TYKU Sake.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join BHAKTA Spirits and [its hospitality business] Griswold as its CEO,” O’Rourke said in the release. “Raj and I connected over the idea of ‘Find Your Spirit,’ and being on a college campus—like my experience at Notre Dame—is inspiring and invigorating. Getting to build a spirits portfolio on this campus makes our goal even more unique and visionary.”