Jon Olafsson, Icelandic Water Holdings co-founder and current CEO will continue as chairman of the company.
“In the last three years, we have successfully established our brand in the highly competitive US marketplace and secured nationwide distribution for our product,” said Olafsson. “With our primary goal complete, we’re embarking on a new phase, requiring a beverage industry leader with a track record of delivering results on a global scale to take the company to the next level. John’s impressive international record speaks for itself, consistently transforming the drinks companies he leads. We’re delighted to have an individual of his calibre on board.”
John Sheppard joins Icelandic Water Holdings directly from private investment firm Emigrant Capital, where he served as executive partner and was chairman of each of its food and beverage portfolio companies.
With a depth of experience in the beverage sector, Sheppard forged his career internationally with The Coca-Cola Company over a 19-year period, rising from director of business development to president of Coca-Cola’s European division and vice president of Coca-Cola International.
Following his success with The Coca-Cola Company, he delivered remarkable results during his four-year tenure as CEO and president of Cott Corporation, the world’s largest private-label, carbonated soft drinks manufacturer.
At the time of his departure from the company in May 2006, Sheppard had built Ebitda to roughly $200m through acquisitions and a focus on efficient manufacturing. His time spent with Cott Corporation highlighted a talent for elevating and maximising the potential of emerging beverage brands.
Commenting on his appointment, John Sheppard said: “I’m very excited at the prospect of leading Icelandic Water Holdings during this pivotal stage in its development, and I’m proud to be building on from the foundations put in place by its founders. Jon and Kristjan have steered the company to a remarkable position in a short period of time and will provide a valuable source of wisdom and passion as we work to maximise the potential of this company.”
Icelandic Glacial is distributed nationally in the US by Anheuser-Busch InBev, which holds a 20% ownership stake in the company.
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