Eastleigh, Hampshire, UK, – July 21st 2026
V Spirits Brands is delighted to announce Johnny Neill as Managing Director, marking another significant step in the company’s ambitious growth journey.
Since joining the business as Portfolio Director in September 2025, industry veteran and eighth-generation distiller Johnny Neill has helped shape the company’s brand strategy and positioning, open up new routes to market both domestically and Internationally, focused heavily on new product development and built on the long-term vision of the group.
In his new role as Managing Director of V Spirits Brands, Johnny will take overall responsibility for V Rum – the company’s B Corp Certified, Great British Rum and first spirits brand – alongside its forthcoming spirit, Sugar Snake, later this year. Carl Churchill, the current CEO will step into the Chairman role and Nicole Churchill will move into Co-Chair from COO.
Johnny will oversee the continued expansion of V Spirits Brands, the company’s commercial strategy, brand portfolio, new product development and future strategic and complimentary acquisitions. Working alongside founders Carl and Nicole Churchill, Johnny will lead the next ambitious phase of the company’s evolution as it continues to build a portfolio of authentic, sustainable, premium spirits.
Reflecting on his updated role, Johnny Neill said:
“I’m incredibly honoured to be taking on the role of Managing Director at such an exciting point in the company’s journey. Working alongside the exceptional team at V and seeing first-hand the passion that exists throughout the business, I have no doubt that alongside Carl and Nicole, we will continue to create special things here.”
Carl Churchill, Founder and Chairman of V Spirits Brands, added:
“Johnny is one of the drinks industry’s most respected minds. His reputation for creating the UK’s No.1 premium gin, alongside several award-winning spirits brands, makes him uniquely placed to lead V Spirits Brands into its next chapter.”
“Promoting Johnny to Managing Director reflects both the confidence we have in his leadership and our ambition for the future. As founders, we’ll continue to focus on the long-term vision and growth of the business, while Johnny leads the day-to-day execution of our strategy, our brands and our talented team. We’re building something truly special at V Spirits Brands, and we couldn’t think of a better person to lead us into this next phase.”
The appointment comes during an exciting period of growth for V Spirits, following the launch of V Dark Rum, securing a retail listing in selected Waitrose & Partners stores, and achieving B Corporation Certification.
Head Distiller Mikey Melrose said:
“Johnny continues to provide knowledge and experience that strengthens what we’re building at V. As a team, we’re continuing to create world-class spirits built on authenticity, sustainability and a determination to do things properly – and there are some exciting new launches on the horizon.”
V Spirits Brands is well positioned to accelerate its growth strategy, strengthen its portfolio and continue its mission of building globally recognised premium spirits brands with British provenance and sustainability at its heart.
About V Spirits Company Limited:
V Spirits Company Limited, founded by husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Carl and Nicole Churchill, is a British spirits company rooted in quality, craft and long-term vision. Alongside Managing Director Johnny Neill and Head Distiller Mikey Melrose, V Spirits are building a portfolio of modern British spirits brands with global potential, built on quality craftsmanship.
For media enquiries:
Contact: Bud Pollard, Marketing Communications Lead [V Rum]
Email: pr@vrum.co.uk
Phone: 02382 016200
For more information visit:
V Spirits: https://vspirits.co.uk/
V Rum: https://vrum.co.uk/