The Speakers

View or download the Speaker Bios here.

DAVID BARNETT

President ◼ Mark Anthony Brands

David is an accomplished executive with more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience across all facets of the Beverage Alcohol industry. David joined Mark Anthony, the world’s leading RTD company, in September 2022 and was appointed President of Mark Anthony Brands in September 2024. In this role, David has full accountability for the U.S. business. David brings a consistent track record of success and a proven ability to capitalize on evolving market, customer, and consumer dynamics.

Prior to Mark Anthony, David spent 18 years with Diageo where he held various leadership positions including Sr. Vice President U.S Spirits, US Head of Advanced Analytics, Vice President – Control States, Vice President – US Customer Marketing, and Global Vice President – Don Julio Tequila.

David graduated with his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, where he was a collegiate soccer player, and holds an MBA from the University of Rochester in New York. He resides in Highland Park, IL with his wife, Marina, and their two children.

JASON COHEN

Founder, Operator & Strategic Investor ◼ SpikedAde

Jason Cohen is a serial entrepreneur behind some of the most successful consumer brands of the last two decades and is now focused on building the next major player in alcohol RTDs.

A pioneer in the better-for-you snack movement, Jason was the creator of Sensible Portions (Veggie Straws), a household brand that helped redefine snacking for a new generation of consumers. He was also an early partner in SkinnyPop Popcorn, which went on to become the #1 popcorn brand in the U.S. and is now owned by Hershey.

Today, Jason is the Co-Founder of Spiked Ade, the original sports-flavored vodka RTD—a brand redefining the category with authentic “built on the golf course” roots and rapidly gaining traction as a differentiated alternative to legacy players like High Noon and Surfside.

Previously, Jason served as CEO of Halen Brands, where he built a scaled beverage platform and led the company as the majority owner of OWYN (Only What You Need), one of the fastest-growing plant-based RTD brands.

He was also an early and significant strategic investor in CORE Water, which became one of the most successful premium hydration brands in the U.S. before its acquisition by Keurig Dr Pepper

Jason’s broader track record includes building and exiting multiple high-growth brands and generating over $2B in consumer brand value. Today, he combines that experience with a hands-on approach to scaling brands, focused on creating authentic consumer demand, driving velocity, and building the next generation of breakout beverage companies.

He is also the Co-Founder of Pretzelized and an active strategic investor in emerging brands including Gorgie Energy, Rotten Candy, and Drumroll Snacks.

TOM DAY

CEO ◼ Reyes Beverage Group

Tom Day joined Reyes Beverage Group (RBG) as Chief Executive Officer in 2019 and has been instrumental in advancing RBG’s ambition to be the elite beverage distributor in the U.S. Under his leadership, RBG prioritizes implementing an ELITE business strategy, building on its position as the nation’s largest beer distributor while strategically expanding into wine and spirits to deliver a total beverage portfolio that meets the needs of an evolving industry. With Tom at the helm, RBG remains focused on offering unmatched route to market solutions, powered by a data-driven, innovative workforce that distributes the best brands with operational efficiency and excellence.

Prior to RBG, Tom served as Global Chief Sales Officer at Diageo, where he was responsible for transforming the business to a digitally enabled selling organization, with a focus on revenue management, route to market, performance management and ecommerce in over 180 countries, delivering consistent share improvements, gearing and topline growth. Tom also served as President and Chairman of Diageo’s U.S. Beer Division, where he significantly enhanced the company's relationships with distributors and improved overall performance, innovation and brand marketing to reposition Diageo Beer Company as a total beer company. He also led the effort to build the first Guinness brewery in the U.S. in 60 years.

Throughout the industry, Tom is known as a proven and results-driven executive with over 20 years of CPG experience. He is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and serves as a board member of the YMCA of Metro Chicago and Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and is a trustee for Ravinia, North America’s longest-running outdoor music festival. Tom holds a degree in business administration and management from Marist College.

NICK FIRESTONE

CEO ◼ Firestone Walker

Nick grew up in the beverage industry where he learned the value of discounted family labor and long hours. He began his beer career as a cook and dishwasher in the Firestone Walker Taproom kitchen. He later graduated to groundskeeping, forklift driving, and various cellar tasks. Leaving home, he attended the US Naval Academy and competed on the national USNA Parachute Team. He then spent five years in the United States Marine Corps as an Artillery officer, deploying to Afghanistan in 2014.

Nick returned to civilian life to earn an MBA at UC Berkeley and then worked as a Senior Strategy Consultant for L.E.K. Consulting, advising clients in technology, consumer, and private equity. Nick now serves as Firestone Walker’s Chief Executive Officer.

As the fourth-generation working in the family beverage business, he is excited to contribute to the brewery’s long efforts to craft the perfect beer and looks forward to one day employing his three kids in the Taproom.

ANDREW HERITAGE

Economist ◼ Beer Institute

Andrew Heritage is Chief Economist at the Beer Institute, the oldest national trade organization representing the beer industry. He analyzes beer industry production and beverage alcohol consumer trends.

Prior to joining the Beer Institute, Andrew was Lead Economist at Thumbtack and a Senior Policy Analyst at the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). His past research focused on the small business economy and manufacturing.

A native of Tacoma, WA, Andrew holds a B.A. from the University of Washington and a Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate University. He lives in Central Virginia with his wife and two daughters.

LESTER JONES

Chief Economist and VP of Analytics ◼ NBWA

Lester Jones serves as the Chief Economist and Vice President of Analytics for the National Beer Wholesalers Association, a national trade organization that represents the regulatory and economic interests of licensed beer distributors. He has more than 20 years of experience in industry research, survey methodology and applied business economics. He most recently served as Chief Economist at the Beer Institute, where he developed and executed significant research initiatives that helped shape America’s beer industry. He also has become a respected public speaker, offering in-depth technical, analytical, and quantitative expertise.

As NBWA Chief Economist, Jones tracks the economic factors that impact the beer distribution industry and alcohol policy decisions at the federal, state and local levels. He evaluates and develops primary industry data, including economic impact, tax impacts, sales and volume data. In addition to his decade of work at the Beer Institute, Jones previously worked for Arbitron Company (Nielsen) in Columbia, Maryland, and the Regional Economic Studies Institute at Towson State University in Maryland. Jones has a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Delaware and is a Certified Business Economist. He is a Certified Business Economists through the National Association of Business Economics and serves on the boards of the Responsible Hospitality Institute, TEAM Coalition, and the Barrio Brewing Company.

ADAM KROENER

Co-Founder and CEO ◼ Carbliss

Adam Kroener is the Co-Founder and CEO of Carbliss, the premium ready to drink cocktail brand recognized as the #1 fastest-growing food and beverage company on the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies in America.

Before launching Carbliss, Adam served in the U.S. Army and later stepped into a leadership role in cheese manufacturing in Wisconsin, where he developed the operational discipline and execution mindset that now fuels the company’s rapid expansion.

Adam cofounded Carbliss with his wife, Amanda, with a vision to build more than a beverage brand; he set out to create a company rooted in strong partnerships, disciplined growth, and shared success across the supply chain.

He has been named an Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist and recognized among the Best and Brightest CEOs in the Nation. Under his leadership, Carbliss has also earned honors as one of the Best and Brightest Places to Work, reflecting his commitment to culture and team development.

Beyond business performance, Adam is passionate about supporting community initiatives and investing in the people who help build the brand. His leadership continues to position Carbliss as a category defining company bringing people together over premium cocktails served in a can.

RYAN LAKE

Managing Director, Beverage Investment Banking ◼ J.P. Morgan

Ryan is a Managing Director at JPMorgan, leading their beverage investment banking coverage nationally. He has spent over 20 years covering the beverage industry, advising on over 60+ transactions and financing another 30+ transactions.

Ryan has worked with distributors, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and importers across both alcohol and non-alcohol brands.

PETE MARINO

President ◼ Lofted Spirits

Pete Marino is the President of Lofted Spirits, overseeing the growth of its flagship brands Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Whiskey, while scaling one of the country’s most expansive contract distilling businesses, Lofted Custom Spirits. With a career spanning more than 30 years, Marino brings deep experience in brand strategy, emerging markets, and creative storytelling.

He previously led Molson Coors’ Emerging Growth division and founded Dig Communications, a successful marketing and communications agency. His background in communications, strategy consulting, and beverage marketing uniquely positions him to help shape the future of American whiskey.

KYLE NORRINGTON

US Chief Commercial Officer ◼ Anheuser-Busch

Kyle oversees the Commercial organization in the U.S., continuously delivering successful results, innovative strategies, and disruptive ideas.

Previously, Kyle served as President of Labatt in Canada, developing and implementing the Canada 10YP, resulting in the gain of a full share point in 2020, and step-changing the Beyond Beer portfolio and performance through innovation, organic growth, and strategic acquisitions like NÜTRL Vodka Soda. Before leading Labatt, Kyle oversaw Global Brands at AB InBev, including Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Corona.

NADINE SARWAT

Dir., European & American Beverages, NA Cannabis ◼ Bernstein

Nadine Sarwat is the Research Analyst at Bernstein covering American & European Beverages and North American Cannabis. Nadine joined Bernstein in 2016 and the European Beverages team in 2019. In 2021, she led the team’s initiation of coverage of US alcohol. In its 2024 survey, Extel named both Bernstein’s European Beverage and US Beverage teams as Runners-Up on its All-Europe Research and All-America Research teams.

Earlier in her career at Bernstein, Nadine was a Senior Research Associate covering European Oil Services and contributed to the team achieving #1 positions in external rankings over multiple years, including Institutional Investor. Nadine holds a BA (Hons) Economics from Cambridge University and an MSc in Finance from London School of Economics; she is also a CFA charterholder.

SAM SHAHIDI

CEO & Co-Founder ◼ Happy Dad

In June 2021, Shahidi co-founded Happy Dad alongside his brother John Shahidi and Kyle Forgeard, host of the Full Send Podcast. Independently owned, Happy Dad has sold over 240 million cans and expanded to 120 employees in just three years. Currently, Happy Dad holds the position of the #4 malt seltzer brand in the USA and #1 RTD in multiple provinces in Canada. Happy Dad is also the #1 followed and engaged the Hard Seltzer, Lemonade & Tea brand on Instagram, boasting over 1 million Followers.

As CEO, Shahidi oversees strategy, creative, production, operations, and partnerships. He leads by creating and organizing the vision, providing strong leadership to the executive team and employees, while promoting innovation and setting goals.

Previously, Shahidi was the Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of Shots Studios, a next-gen media company. The company created original mobile-first content for YouTube, Instagram, and other streaming platforms. He served as Executive Producer on multiple projects, including the Netflix-original docu-series Vai Anitta and the recently released Amazon-original film Música, which has an incredible 98% Rotten Tomato score. Shots Studios’ content attracts over 22 billion minutes of viewership every year.

In 2022, Shots Studios evolved into a podcast network, focusing on video-first podcast content. The Shots Podcast Network has signed numerous podcasts, including one of the most popular podcasts on YouTube, "Full Send Podcast."

CHRISTOPHER SHEPARD

Senior Editor ◼ Beer Marketer's Insights

Christopher Shepard writes and edits, follows trends and analyzes data for the family of beer industry trade publications from Beer Marketer’s Insights. He's a Senior Editor of craft-focused newsletter Craft Brew News and editor of Alcohol Issues INSIGHTS, covering crucial alcohol policy and science issues. He frequently presents at industry conferences and plays key roles in building BMI's annual data reports and webinars. Chris studied theatre, dance and English at Muhlenberg College. He writes poetry, dances and hikes near his home in the suburbs of New York City.

BENJ STEINMAN

President ◼ Beer Marketer's Insights

Benj Steinman is the president of Beer Marketer's INSIGHTS, Inc, the leading trade publisher for the United States brewing industry since 1970. BMI was founded by Jerry Steinman, Benj’s father. Benj joined BMI in 1980. He is publisher and editor of the flagship newsletter as well as several other online publications. Beer Marketer's INSIGHTS currently has five newsletter publications: Beer Marketer's INSIGHTS, INSIGHTS Express, Craft Brew News, Beverage Business INSIGHTS and Alcohol Issues INSIGHTS.

BMI typically hosts two annual conferences: a Spring Conference in Chicago and the Beer Insights Seminar in November in New York City. BMI also publishes the annual statistical compendium, Beer Industry Update, and offers several webinars. BMI is often quoted in leading newspapers, magazines and other media.

Benj graduated from Brown University in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts and from Columbia University in 1991 with a Masters of Business Administration.

Benj and his wife Robin live in Montebello, NY. They have 3 children. Continuing the family legacy into a 3d generation, their oldest son David joined Beer Marketer’s INSIGHTS in 2013 and their younger son Jason joined BMI in March 2020.

David Steinman

Vice President ◼ Beer Marketer's Insights

David Steinman joined Beer Marketer's INSIGHTS September 2013 and represents the 3rd generation at the company along with his brother Jason. David worked for years as Senior Editor of Craft Brew News and Senior Editor across all Beer Marketer's INSIGHTS publications before he was appointed VP/Executive Editor in 2022.

Prior to BMI, David worked for two years as Marketing Coordinator at Long Trail/Otter Creek Brewing Company in Vermont. He graduated from the University of Vermont with a major in Business and a minor in Music. In his spare time, David is an avid guitar player and snowboarder.

JASON STEINMAN

Senior Editor & VP of Business Development ◼ Beer Marketer's Insights

Jason Steinman joined Beer Marketer’s INSIGHTS in March 2020 and serves as a Senior Editor and the VP Business Development. In this multifaceted role, he contributes to the editorial content of multiple publications while also spearheading growth initiatives to help expand BMI’s reach and impact.

Before joining the company, Jason honed his skills in brand marketing at PepsiCo North America Beverages for three years.

Jason graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. He currently lives in Hoboken, NJ with his wife Camila and son Gabriel.

TOWNSEND ZEIBOLD

Managing Director ◼ Arlington Capital Advisors

Townsend is a Managing Director at Arlington Capital where he specializes in Beverage Alcohol. He has spent his career in investment banking and private equity at TD Cowen, Cascadia Capital, First Beverage Group, Wasserstein & Co., Wasserstein Perella & Co., and The First Boston Corporation. He has completed over $40 billion in mergers and acquisitions advisory assignments, and as a principal investor over 30 private equity investments.

Most recently at Arlington Townsend represented The Finnish Long Drink in its sale to Mark Anthony Group and Sapporo USA in its sale of Stone Brewing to Firestone Walker and Duvel USA. While at TD Cowen where he was until mid-2024, he represented Penelope Bourbon in its sale to MGP Ingredients. Other sale transactions included Ace Cider, Bold Rock Hard Cider, and the non-core beer assets of Constellation Brands. Financing transactions include Vintage Wine Estates SPAC Combination and public offering, MGP Ingredients $201 million convertible bond offering, and Athletic Brewing’s $50 million Series C equity raise. While at First Beverage and Cascadia, Townsend advised on over a dozen sales of prominent craft beer brands to strategic buyers such as Anheuser-Busch, Molson Coors, Duvel Moortgat and Mahou San Miguel.

Townsend formerly served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Nightingale-Bamford School in New York City. He was also formerly on the Board of Fellows of Trinity College and was the President of the Board of Trustees at West Side Montessori School in New York City. He received his B.A. in Economics from Trinity College and his M.B.A. from The Stanford Graduate School of Business. He lives in New York City with his wife Julie and four children.

Page updated

Report abuse