Top Note Tonic, Milwaukee, has hired George Simpson as its chief sales and marketing officer. Simpson has more than 20 years of beverage experience in the United States and Europe and was mostly recently vice president at Heineken in Amsterdam working globally across the company’s beer and cider brands. At Heineken, his responsibilities ranged from marketing and brand portfolio strategy to category development and M&A.
“I’m thrilled to join Top Note Tonic. The premium mixer market is a dynamic category that’s poised for growth and I look forward to helping Top Note fulfill its vast potential to capitalize on the consumer movement to craft cocktails and beverages,” says Simpson. “I have a clear focus on expanding the Top Note footprint and continuing to provide a compelling portfolio of products that delights consumers while expanding to a variety of formats.”
Top Note Tonic was established in 2014 by Mary Pellettieri and Noah Swanson who created a line of mixers with unique, complex flavors that are versatile enough to be paired with premium spirits or enjoyed on their own.
Like Simpson, Pellettieri has more than 20 years in the beverage industry and is a recognized innovator. She spent eight years with Goose Island Beer Company and was part of the team that created Matilda, Sofie and 312. From there, she moved to brewing giant MillerCoors and later wrote a book on quality management for the Brewers Association.
“In addition to the quality of the Top Note product, I was excited by Mary’s vision, passion, knowledge and experience,” says Simpson. “There’s a shift from sweet, sugary mixers to more complex offerings and Top Note is well positioned to take advantage of that trend.”
Education: MBA University of Chicago Booth School of Business; BA Emory University
Company:
Top Note Tonic
2018 S. 1st St., Suite 330
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53207
