Toronto, Canada-based BioSteel Sports Nutrition Inc. announced the appointment of Bruce Jacobson as President of BioSteel, who, together with Co-Founders John Celenza and Michael Cammalleri, will be responsible for accelerating the growth of BioSteel into a top-4 sports hydration company. Jacobson joins BioSteel with a wealth of experience from the beverage industry, the company notes. 

Paddy Spence will still hold his position as Chair of the Company’s Board of Directors. Amy Taylor, president, will succeed Spence as CEO beginning Aug. 1.

Seattle-based Talking Rain Beverage Co., the maker of Sparkling Ice beverages, appointed Ken Sylvia to CEO, effective April 12. As a driven leader, Sylvia will continue to fulfill Talking Rain’s mission of “Creating Connections with Every Sip” by prioritizing employee development, community engagement, product innovation and corporate responsibility, the company says.

Ingredient companies are broadening their operations by hiring new leaders and expanding their value-added services. 

Raleigh, N.C.-based Pepsi Bottling Ventures LLC (PBV), a joint venture of Suntory Group and PepsiCo, named Derek Hill as president and chief executive officer (CEO). The announcement followed the retirement of Paul Finney, who served as president and CEO from 2012-2021. 

St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch announced enhancements to its U.S. commercial leadership team to further support the company's consumer-first commercial strategy. The new commercial leadership team brings more than 60 years of combined experience building brands and driving growth in the U.S. and other markets worldwide.

New York-based Brockmans Gin Ltd. named Guy Lawrence as its chief executive officer (CEO). Lawrence joined the company one year ago as managing director and is replacing co-founder Neil Everitt, who remains on the Board and is the company’s largest shareholder.

Swire Coca-Cola USA, Draper, Utah, announced that Jack Pelo, its president and chief executive officer (CEO) for the past 24 years, will retire at the end of this year. Rob Gehring, currently chief operating officer, will assume the president and CEO role beginning Jan. 1, 2021.

The family of Donald M. Kendall announced his passing. The former PepsiCo executive passed away Sept. 19 at the age of 99 of natural causes.