Kansas-based spirits company brings in former Brown-Forman executive as Chief Marketing Officer and manufacturing veteran as Senior VP of Operations
MGP Ingredients, a leading brand owner and contract distiller, has announced two significant executive appointments as part of its strategic growth agenda. The company has named Matias Bentel as Chief Marketing Officer and Chris Wiseman as Senior Vice President of Operations, strengthening its leadership team with seasoned industry professionals.
Former Brown-Forman Executive Joins as CMO
Matias Bentel brings nearly two decades of beverage industry experience to his new role at MGP Ingredients. Most recently serving as Chief Brands Officer at Brown-Forman, Bentel spent 17 years with the Louisville-based spirits company, including leadership positions as Market General Manager in Mexico and five years in the chief brands officer role.
Prior to his tenure at Brown-Forman, Bentel gained international experience working for Diageo in Brazil from 2005 to 2007, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of global spirits markets.
Operations Leadership Reinforced
Complementing the marketing leadership appointment, MGP has also recruited Chris Wiseman as Senior Vice President of Operations. Wiseman transitions from his role as Manufacturing Vice President at Schwan's Company, a US food manufacturer. Notably, Schwan's is also the previous employer of MGP's current CEO, Julie Francis, who assumed leadership in July 2025.
Strategic Growth Focus
"We are excited to welcome Matias and Chris to MGP," said CEO Julie Francis.
"Matias brings decades of marketing experience in the alcohol beverage industry and a proven ability to build and grow brands. Chris has a strong track record of driving operational efficiency, building high-performing teams and improving reliability that delivers consistent results."
Francis emphasized that these appointments reflect MGP's continued commitment to building a robust leadership team capable of supporting the company's strategic growth objectives while strengthening operational execution.
About MGP Ingredients
MGP Ingredients operates a diverse portfolio of premium spirits brands through its Luxco unit, including Penelope, Rebel, Remus, and Yellowstone bourbons, as well as El Mayor tequila. The company maintains production facilities across three locations: distilleries in Indiana and Kentucky, and a tequila distillery in Arandas, Mexico.
These strategic appointments position MGP Ingredients to capitalize on growth opportunities in the competitive spirits market while maintaining its reputation for quality and operational excellence.
Image from MGP Ingredients
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