Long Island Iced Tea Corp. Appoints Industry Veterans
Internal moves to increases leadership capability
IMAGE CREDIT: Nick Roskelly
Long Island Iced Tea Corp., a growth-oriented company focused on the ready-to-drink (“RTD”) tea segment in the beverage industry, announced the appointment of two senior executives. Julian Davidson, who first joined the company in June 2015 as a consultant to assist in the execution of its growth initiatives, has been appointed as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company. Additionally, Richard Allen, the former Chief Financial Officer of Snapple Beverages Group, has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer of the company.
Philip Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of the company, commented, “We feel it is critical to surround ourselves with exceptionally talented individuals as we continue executing our growth strategies. Julian has extensive experience in the beverage industry and has added significant value since joining our team last year. In his new role as Executive Chairman, we look forward to Julian helping to guide our growth through this exciting time at the company.”
“I am honored to expand my role and serve as Executive Chairman of Long Island Iced Tea,” Davidson said. “Phil and his team have achieved great success thus far and I am excited to continue helping the company in seeking to realize its growth potential.”
Davidson has nearly 25 years of experience in the beverage industry, including most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer of Independent Liquor NZ’s businesses in New Zealand, the United States and Canada. Independent Liquor NZ is New Zealand's leading manufacturer and distributor of pre-mixed RTD alcoholic beverages, as well as having beer, spirit and cider portfolios, and is recognized for its highly innovative approach to brand development and marketing. In addition to being responsible for Independent Liquor’s New Zealand, US and Canadian operations, Davidson’s senior management career in the beverage and hospitality industries includes positions with Lion Nathan New Zealand and Australia, Pepsico New Zealand and Australia, and the Lantern Hotel Group. Davidson is also on the Board of Directors of Smartfoods, an innovative New Zealand food producer.
Thomas continued, “We are equally thrilled to have Richard join our team, bringing his extensive financial and beverage industry background to the company. We expect that his decades of experience in the consumer segment, including over ten years in the iced tea market, will enable Rich to add tremendous value and insight to our Company.”
“I am excited to join the company at a pivotal time in its history and look forward to helping it realize its growth strategy,” Allen said. “After spending nearly two decades in the beverage industry, I look forward to bringing my experience to a brand with such a strong and unique image.”
Allen most recently worked for Beverage Innovations, an incubator beverage company, serving on its Board of Directors and acting as Chief Financial Officer. He previously held various senior positions at Snapple and Cadbury Schweppes (who purchased Snapple in 2000 from Triarc Industries), including Senior Vice President of Business Development and M&A for Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages, General Manager of Pacific Snapple Distributors, Senior Vice President of Business Development and M&A for Snapple Distributors, and Chief Financial Officer of Snapple Beverage Group. Before joining Snapple, Allen worked for RJR Nabisco, previously Nabisco Brands and Standard Brands, in various audit, accounting and analytic positions culminating in Vice President and Corporate Assistant Controller.
Philip Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of the company, commented, “We feel it is critical to surround ourselves with exceptionally talented individuals as we continue executing our growth strategies. Julian has extensive experience in the beverage industry and has added significant value since joining our team last year. In his new role as Executive Chairman, we look forward to Julian helping to guide our growth through this exciting time at the company.”
“I am honored to expand my role and serve as Executive Chairman of Long Island Iced Tea,” Davidson said. “Phil and his team have achieved great success thus far and I am excited to continue helping the company in seeking to realize its growth potential.”
Davidson has nearly 25 years of experience in the beverage industry, including most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer of Independent Liquor NZ’s businesses in New Zealand, the United States and Canada. Independent Liquor NZ is New Zealand's leading manufacturer and distributor of pre-mixed RTD alcoholic beverages, as well as having beer, spirit and cider portfolios, and is recognized for its highly innovative approach to brand development and marketing. In addition to being responsible for Independent Liquor’s New Zealand, US and Canadian operations, Davidson’s senior management career in the beverage and hospitality industries includes positions with Lion Nathan New Zealand and Australia, Pepsico New Zealand and Australia, and the Lantern Hotel Group. Davidson is also on the Board of Directors of Smartfoods, an innovative New Zealand food producer.
Thomas continued, “We are equally thrilled to have Richard join our team, bringing his extensive financial and beverage industry background to the company. We expect that his decades of experience in the consumer segment, including over ten years in the iced tea market, will enable Rich to add tremendous value and insight to our Company.”
“I am excited to join the company at a pivotal time in its history and look forward to helping it realize its growth strategy,” Allen said. “After spending nearly two decades in the beverage industry, I look forward to bringing my experience to a brand with such a strong and unique image.”
Allen most recently worked for Beverage Innovations, an incubator beverage company, serving on its Board of Directors and acting as Chief Financial Officer. He previously held various senior positions at Snapple and Cadbury Schweppes (who purchased Snapple in 2000 from Triarc Industries), including Senior Vice President of Business Development and M&A for Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages, General Manager of Pacific Snapple Distributors, Senior Vice President of Business Development and M&A for Snapple Distributors, and Chief Financial Officer of Snapple Beverage Group. Before joining Snapple, Allen worked for RJR Nabisco, previously Nabisco Brands and Standard Brands, in various audit, accounting and analytic positions culminating in Vice President and Corporate Assistant Controller.
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!
