Rum distillery spices things up with new CEO
British-distilled rum brand DropWorks has appointed Graham Appleyard as its chief executive officer.
Appleyard brings over two decades of experience in the drinks industry, including marketing roles at global giant Diageo.
His expertise is expected to play a key role in advancing DropWorks’growth strategy.
Appleyard’s career includes co-founding Flintlock Brand Marketing Consultancy and revitalising global brands at Diageo, such as Guinness, Baileys, and Pimm’s.
At DropWorks, Appleyard will guide the brand through its transition from start-up to scale-up, aiming to establish it as the leading British-distilled rum brand.
Appleyard said: “I’m incredibly excited to join DropWorks at such a pivotal moment. The brand is already challenging the status quo and redefining the rum category by producing premium British-distilled rum – not just rum bottled in Britain, but truly crafted here by a team of passionate experts. My goal is to drive wider appreciation for premium British rum, elevate quality standards across the entire category, and ultimately make DropWorks a household name.”
Founded by Lewis Hayes in April 2023, DropWorks produces small-batch rums at its 17,000 sq ft distillery located in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire.
As Appleyard steps into his new role, Hayes will continue in his position as founder & master distiller, focusing on overseeing production and furthering the brand’s reach while continuing to innovate.
Hayes said: “Bringing Graham on board is a game changer for DropWorks and is a testament to the quality of our products and team. His deep understanding of brand strategy and ability to drive growth will be invaluable as we enter our next phase. This transition allows me to dedicate more time to what I love most – crafting exceptional rum and connecting with our community.”
