JP brand advisors

Jonathan is a seasoned international beverage industry operator, having started his career at Unilever in marketing 40 years ago. In 1991, he joined IDV working on Smirnoff Vodka in the UK and then at Heublein in CT. His last role at Diageo was General Manager Diageo Spain. He then joined Beam Suntory as Head of Europe in 2008 before spending the rest of his executive career working in the beer industry in Spain, first as MD of Miguel’s International division where he led the acquisition of Founder’s Brewing in Grand Rapids, before becoming CEO at Grupo Agora. Since 2021, he has served on the boards of Zamora and Puerto de Indias as Non-Executive.

Larry is a seasoned veteran with over 40 years in the beverage industry. He began his career at the Coca-Cola Bottling Company, before transitioning into alcoholic beverages. Larry held senior leadership roles as Regional Vice President for both Paddington Corporation and Jim Beam Brands, overseeing regions across the U.S. and Canada. He later joined Southern Wine & Spirits as Vice President and General Manager for Spirits, eventually rising to Senior Vice President and GM of the Sapphire Division, managing both spirits and wine. After retiring, Larry took on the role of CEO at Iconic Brands, where he managed the company’s wine portfolio and oversaw ToPPop Packing Company.

Shelley is a results-driven leader with more than 30 years of experience in sales and marketing within the wine & spirits industry. She began her career in Canada with Mark Anthony Brands as National Account Director, then moved to the U.S. to launch Belvedere and Chopin vodkas.

She has a proven track record of driving growth, building high-performance teams, and establishing strong distributor and customer relationships across major distributors. With roles from CCO to SVP Sales, Shelley is known for her analytical decision-making, integrity, and collaborative leadership, she has successfully built brands from startups such as Cooper Spirits, Broken Barrel, Q Mixers to blue-chip companies like Stoli Group and Moet Hennessy.

Matt is a Northern California native and sales leader; he brings over 28 years of expertise in the wine and spirits industry, with a focus on the western distribution network. His career has spanned leadership roles across both the Western and Midwest regions, including serving as Vice President overseeing the territories and growth for brands and companies such as The Rutherford Wine Group, The Patron Spirits Company, Davos Brands (Aviation Gin), Cincoro Tequila, and Spirits Investment Partners. He is known for his ability to build and lead teams within various large distributor networks across many states. Matt excels in fostering relationships and expanding distribution in both the general and national/regional chain markets through route-to-market strategies, planning, and execution.

Matt Ellis-Escobar is a Northern California native and US Veteran with 28 years of wine and spirits industry experience. Starting in the on-premise at Gordon Biersch Brewing Co. nearly 3 decades ago, he has held roles at every level of the three-tier system – on-premise, broker/distributor, and supplier. Matt is a graduate of California State University, Chico with a Business Mgmt. degree and holds Executive Education Certificates from the Marshall School of Business at USC. With past leadership positions in the Western and Central region, he has also held a National SVP role, driving growth and brand success for companies like Wine Warehouse – CA, The Patrón Spirits Co., Davos Brands – Aviation Gin and Alps Beverages – Pantalones Tequila. He brings a wealth of experience and extensive knowledge in multi-market planning & programming, team development, brand development and management, sales presentations, data analysis & budget planning. Matt served 8 years in the United States Coast Guard at Station Golden Gate in San Francisco, CA.

Andy brings over 30 years of experience in the bev alc and hospitality industries. Growing up in Long Island and New York City, he developed a passion for the culinary and hospitality sectors, working in both front- and back-of-house roles before gaining invaluable insights as an owner. Andy transitioned into the bev alc industry as a merchandiser and sales consultant with Kronheim Company (later RNDC.) He then joined Southern Wine & Spirits’ Greenfeld Expansion Team in NYC, eventually rising to roles including General Sales Manager, VP, and General Manager. Driven by innovation, Andy co-founded a successful direct-to- consumer platform in the beverage alcohol space. Outside of work, he is an active member of the canine community, training his German Shepherd.

Anthony Palatella is a seasoned finance professional with extensive experience in financial strategy, operations, and leadership. He holds advanced degrees in Finance and an MBA from Southern Methodist University. Anthony’s career includes impactful roles at Mark Cuban Companies, where he focused on identifying and evaluating successful investment opportunities. With a strong track record of optimizing financial performance and leading cross- functional teams, Anthony brings analytical rigor and strategic insight to his role as Vice President of Finance.

Dave is a seasoned Sales and Marketing leader with over 35 years of experience in the adult beverage industry. He has held roles from Sales Rep to Vice President of Sales, successfully leading teams, building national account infrastructures, and managing strategic budgets. Dave excels in route-to-market strategy, distributor management, and budget forecasting. He has a proven track record of building high-performing teams and mentoring sales professionals. His work with brands like Crown Royal, Chivas Regal, Absolut Vodka, Jim Beam, Patron Tequila, and Aviation Gin has earned him industry recognition. Dave resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.

‘JP’ is a seasoned professional with over 35 years of expertise in the beverage alcohol industry. His proven track record extends to optimizing underperforming operations, expertly managing budgets, and implementing innovative go-to-market strategies that build customer loyalty and deliver exceptional bottom-line results. During his career, John has held numerous Executive Leadership and C Suite roles in both the Distribution and Supplier tiers including Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, Sidney Frank Import Company, Russian Standard, Cinco Spirits Group and The Patron Spirits Company. He has been enormously influential in the development and success of many of today’s most iconic and recognizable brands.