MGP Ingredients appoints Julie Francis as new CEO  

USA – US distiller MGP Ingredients has appointed Julie Francis as its new president and chief executive officer.  

The announcement follows the resignation of former CEO David Bratcher, who stepped down from the role on December 31, 2024. 

Brandon Gall, the company’s chief financial officer, had been serving as interim CEO since January 1. With Francis now assuming the leadership position, Gall will resume his duties as CFO. 

Francis brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the branded food and beverage industry. She most recently led JF Advisory Services, where she offered strategic, commercial, and supply chain guidance. Her previous roles include chief operating officer and president of consumer brands at Schwan’s Company. 

She also served as senior vice president of commercial and category development at Constellation Brands, overseeing its Total Beverage Alcohol portfolio.  

Earlier in her career, Francis held multiple leadership positions at The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Enterprises. She played a key role in integrating the US segments of both companies to form Coca-Cola Refreshments. 

MGP Ingredients chairman of the board Martin Roper said, “Julie is a proven leader with decades of experience driving growth and value creation across the food and beverage space, making her the ideal candidate to lead MGP forward.”  

He expressed confidence in her ability to advance the company’s long-term strategy of becoming a premier branded spirits company. 

Francis steps into the role during a period of financial difficulty for MGP Ingredients. In 2024, the company reported a 16% drop in sales to US$703.6 million, while adjusted EBITDA declined by 6% to US$196.5 million. Net income fell sharply from US$107.5 million in 2023 to US$34.7 million in 2024. 

In October 2024, the company issued a profit warning, citing softening spirits demand in the US and rising inventory levels across the whiskey industry. MGP subsequently announced a reduction in whiskey production. 

For the first quarter of 2025, net sales declined 29% year-on-year to US$121.7 million. The company recorded a net loss of US$3.1 million, attributing the figure primarily to changes in the fair value of contingent liabilities tied to the performance of the Penelope Bourbon brand. Adjusted net income dropped 68% to US$7.8 million. 

MGP Ingredients projects full-year 2025 sales of US$520–US$540 million and adjusted EBITDA between US$105 million and US$115 million.

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