Top Shelf International appoints new CEO with immediate effect

As part of a planned succession, current Top Shelf International (TIS) Executive Trent Fraser will take over from TIS Co-Founder and Managing Director Drew Fairchild.

Fairchild co-founded the company in 2014, guiding it through a significant growth period encompassing the construction of TISs distillery, production facility and agave farm, navigating the ongoing challenges of a global pandemic and launching two premium spirits - NED Whisky and Grainshaker Vodka.

Fairchild said he feels what he and his team has achieved over the past nine years is extraordinary, and he's confident this next stage of growth in Fraser's hands will be highly successful.

"I have always been of the view there would come a time where new leadership is required to take the company into its next phase. The time is now right for that change to occur. I leave content in what has been achieved and what the future holds in store for the company.

"As I said when Trent first joined TSI, we could not have found a more well-credentialled, internationally-recognised Australian in the spirits world to help the company realise its ambition to become Australia's first globally relevant multi-branded spirits company.

"He has my full backing to drive the company to even greater heights…I can't wait to see what comes to life," said Fairchild.

Former Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) Vice President Fraser comes to the position with over two decades of experience in the wine and spirits industry, including 13 years at LVMH in New York, preceded by nearly a decade with Penfolds and Treasury Wine Estates in Australia.

"I am humbled to be entrusted to lead a company with the potential of TSI. Building an Australian spirits company from the ground up is a monumental task and having worked closely with Drew since joining the company in 2021, I have deep appreciation and admiration for what he achieved in such a short period.

"I could not be more energised to help TSI realise its ambition, and look forward to developing productive relationships with shareholders, customers and other stakeholders," said Fraser.

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