Altamura Distilleries Vodka has appointed Kevin Schmudde as head of USA, a major addition to its international leadership team. The Italian vodka brand made the appointment in August 2026 as it accelerates distribution and commercial growth across the United States.
Schmudde brings more than 20 years of beverage alcohol experience to the role. His career includes senior positions with Constellation Brands, Palm Bay International and Brown-Forman. He also served as chief executive officer of Kindred Beer. His background centers on delivering profitable growth, developing commercial teams and building premium drinks brands in competitive markets.
In his new role, Schmudde will lead Altamura Distilleries Vodka’s US business. He will shape its long-term commercial strategy, strengthen distributor and retail relationships, expand the brand’s footprint across key states and build a national sales team.
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Schmudde will work closely with Lorenzo Di Cola, head of brand, and co-founder Frank Grillo. The United States is becoming an increasingly important market within the company’s global growth plans.
“Kevin’s appointment is a significant moment for Altamura Distilleries and one of the clearest statements yet of our ambition in the United States,” said Di Cola. “He combines deep commercial experience with the leadership, market understanding and entrepreneurial energy needed to take a premium brand from momentum to meaningful national scale.”
Di Cola added: “We have already established strong foundations across the US, but we believe the opportunity ahead is far greater. Kevin gives us the senior leadership on the ground to unlock that potential, deepen our relationships with the trade and build Altamura Distilleries Vodka into one of the defining premium vodka brands in America.”
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READ THE STORYThe appointment comes during a period of rapid international expansion. Distribution now spans more than 27 countries and 26 US states, with growth exceeding 200% year on year.
“Altamura Distilleries Vodka has everything required to become a major force in the US premium spirits market: a genuinely distinctive liquid, an authentic and ownable Italian story, ambitious founders and a growing reputation among the world’s best bartenders and hospitality leaders,” said Schmudde.
He continued: “I am excited to join the business at such an important stage and to build the commercial platform, partnerships and team that will turn its early success into lasting national growth.”
Founded in Puglia, the brand is triple distilled from local wheat and bottled at 43% ABV. Wine Enthusiast awarded the vodka 94 points, and it has served as the official vodka partner of The World’s 50 Best Hotels since 2025.
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