News Alert: David Barnett Named President Of Mark Anthony Brands

Mark Anthony Brands, marketer of White Claw, Mike’s Hard, and Cayman Jack, among other labels, has promoted David Barnett to president, effective September 1. He replaces Phil Rosse, who is assuming the new role of vice chairman, Mark Anthony America. Barnett is currently chief commercial officer.

Barnett joined Mark Anthony two years ago after 18 years with Diageo, including roles such as senior vice president and general manager, US Spirits. In his new role, he will be “focused on delivering top and bottom-line growth of our RTD and spirits businesses, ensuring strong distributor engagement in our LRB (liquid refreshment beverage) business, all while enhancing our capabilities and developing our people for the future,” according to the company.

Mark Anthony is the fourth-largest beer and flavored malt beverage marketer in the U.S. at 110 million (2.25-gallon) cases, according to Impact Databank. It also has a growing spirits business, led by its forays into vodka and spirits-based cocktails under the White Claw label, along with spirits from Ireland’s Glendalough Distillery and Bearface Canadian whisky, among others.

According to Impact Databank, White Claw’s traditional hard seltzer slipped 3.5% to 82 million (2.25-gallon) cases in the U.S. last year, but continues to lead the market by a wide margin. The brand’s vodka sodas jumped out to 1.2 million (2.25-gallon) cases last year in their debut.

Mark Anthony founder Anthony von Mandl credited Rosse, a 16-year company veteran, with vastly expanding the U.S. business during his time at its head. “His track record of success and growth has been substantial, with our U.S. business now being eight times larger over his leadership tenure.”—Daniel Marsteller

Tagged : Mark Anthony Brands, White Claw

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