Beesou Honey Aperitif, the multi-award winning all-natural honey based aperitif drink, has announced a series of high-impact appointments and a significant investment round, cementing its position as one of the most exciting new brands in the drinks industry.
As Beesou continues to gain traction in the UK’s top bars and builds toward international expansion, Founder Mark Wakefield has assembled a dynamic team to take the brand to new heights.
New Leadership for a Bold New Chapter
Leading the charge is Managing Director Kieran Gandhi, who joined Beesou seven months ago. Gandhi brings a sharp commercial edge and a passion for purposeful brand-building. Formerly MD of Lanique Spirit of Rose, he transformed the brand from niche to nationally recognised, with over 1,500 on-trade listings and a growing international presence. With experience building bar companies, new product launches and consulting for names like Nyetimber, Gandhi is now steering Beesou’s next phase of growth with smart partnerships, bold positioning and a laser focus on both trade and consumer audiences.
Joining the team in the last month, Alessandro Geraci, appointed as Brand Advocacy Manager arrives from Italspirits - the Marketing and Advocacy agency behind Italicus and Savoia where he played a key role in the brand’s UK success during its integration into the Pernod Ricard portfolio. A mainstay of London’s cocktail scene, Alessandro has worked in top-tier venues including Chiltern Firehouse, Aqua Shard and Annabel’s. His credentials also include the successful launch of Savoia Aperitivo and supporting Engine Gin across multiple global markets. At Beesou, he’ll lead on-trade advocacy, working with distributors and venues to ignite excitement in the UK and beyond.
Beesou has strengthened their board with Chris Rigby as Non-Executive Director, bringing heavyweight strategic firepower to the board. Chris was part of the management team and Head of Strategy at Don Papa Rum, which was acquired by Diageo in 2024 for US$275 million. He also served as Innovation Director at William Grant & Sons. With deep experience in innovation, brand growth and exit strategy, Chris’ addition signals serious intent as Beesou accelerates on the world stage.
Investment Fuels International Expansion
These hires follow a major investment round that ensures the long-term growth of Beesou Honey Aperitif. The funds will support increased production, expanded marketing and global market entry, starting in early 2026. With a growing presence in top venues and a vibrant, naturally bitter flavour profile that’s already won Great Taste and World’s Best Aperitif, Beesou is fast becoming the bottle every bartender needs on their back bar.
Mark Wakefield, Founder, commented: “We’ve created something genuinely different with Beesou – a liquid that’s as delicious as it is sustainable. With Kieran, Alessandro and Chris onboard, we now have the talent and experience to take Beesou from cult favourite to global icon. This is just the beginning.”
Crafted from ethically sourced British honey and natural botanicals, Beesou is committed to transparency, quality and sustainability. The brand holds B-Corp certification and donates 10% of profits to Bee Conservation through its partnership with Bees for Development.
With a category-defining product and a world-class team, Beesou is on a mission to become the most loved and most poured aperitif in the world.