Ten Locks, the Irlam-based premium spirits distributor, has doubled its team with three new recruits nationwide. Julian Howard, David Piazzani and Gemma Butler join Ten Locks in building a growing portfolio of progressive drinks brands for the on and off trade.
Julian Howard joins as Off-Trade Controller and will lead the company’s off-trade offering by generating new listings for the portfolio and leading delivery of promotions and in-store activations with retail partners.
As with all of the senior team at Ten Locks, Julian has extensive grassroots experience as a bartender. After working behind the bar for a decade, Julian transferred his skills to brand development, working across many high profile brands at Allied Domecq, Mangrove, Inspirit and more recently Berry Bros & Rudd.
Ten Locks has also welcomed David Piazzani as Key Account Manager for London and the south. David will be responsible for managing key on-trade accounts for Ten Locks across the capital – a critical piece of territory for premium spirits. Leveraging his extensive hospitality experience, he will grow the firm’s portfolio of conscious brands across a range of venues and work alongside operators to offer drinks development support and deliver premium drinks experiences.
After starting his career behind the bar in his native Italy, David Piazzani developed a life-long passion for great cocktails and hospitality. After moving to the UK almost 15 years ago, David transitioned into the sales side of the drinks business with roles for Venus and Majestic where he honed his skills for introducing new brands to the trade and developing drinks for customers.
Gemma Butler has been hired as Administrative Assistant. She will head up the operational management of the Ten Locks portfolio, manage process development and act as a lynchpin for Ten Locks with the wider Kingsland Drinks team.
Becky Davies, who heads up the Ten Locks team, says: “We are hugely proud and excited to welcome the three new team members to the Ten Locks family. David and Julian bring a wealth of sales experience to the team and have incredible backgrounds in the drinks and hospitality industries. As with our other senior members of the team, myself included, having bartending experience brings a richness and a passion for hospitality to the table.
“We are also incredibly happy – and somewhat relieved – to bring Gemma on board who will no doubt whip the team into shape with her administrative and organisational skills! Something which every great team requires.
“The new hires are tantamount to the success of the Ten Locks venture so far; in less than a year we have built an incredible portfolio of compelling, global brands which are making strides in both the on and off trade nationwide.”
This month, the Kingsland Drinks Group – which includes Ten Locks – has made a move to being partially employee owned. The move builds on Kingsland Drinks Group’s employee-centric mindset and follows a period of significant investment in in capabilities and capacity.
Ten Locks’ portfolio now includes Nusa Caña, West Cork Irish Whiskey, Applewood Gin, Salford Rum, Banhez Mezcal, Diablesse Rum, El Tequileño, Mary White Vodka, Redwood Empire Whiskey and Langley’s Gin – with more additions set to be announced.
