Chief Executive Officer Julie Francis Joins MGP Ingredients to Lead Growth and Innovation
MGP Ingredients, Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI), a leading provider of branded and distilled spirits and food ingredient solutions, announced a significant leadership change today. The company’s Board of Directors has officially appointed Julie Francis as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. In addition, the Board has indicated that it expects to nominate Francis to join MGP’s Board of Directors at the company’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
This announcement marks the end of an interim leadership period led by Brandon Gall, who had been serving as Interim President and CEO since January 1, 2025. Gall will now return full-time to his prior position as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a role in which he has been instrumental in guiding the company’s financial strategy and delivering consistent performance.
A Proven Leader to Steer MGP’s Strategic Vision
Julie Francis joins MGP Ingredients with a wealth of experience and a track record of leadership in the food and beverage industry. With over three decades of expertise, Francis has held senior executive roles across some of the most respected companies in the sector. Her background spans operations, commercial strategy, brand development, and business transformation—all critical areas as MGP advances its strategic goal of becoming a premier branded spirits company.
“Julie is a proven leader with decades of experience driving growth and value creation across the food and beverage space, making her the ideal candidate to lead MGP forward,” said Martin Roper, Chairman of the Board at MGP Ingredients. “We are confident in her ability to advance our long-term vision while building on the foundational work done by Brandon Gall and the rest of the MGP team. Julie’s appointment signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter for MGP as we seek to align more closely with evolving consumer preferences and capitalize on emerging trends.”
Francis’s appointment comes at a time when MGP Ingredients is focused on strengthening its brand portfolio, optimizing its operational footprint, and expanding its reach in the premium spirits category. The company’s long-term strategic vision includes greater emphasis on branded products, innovation, and a stronger consumer connection—areas where Francis’s experience is expected to deliver meaningful impact.
A Message of Confidence and Continuity
Brandon Gall, who led MGP through a transitional period in early 2025, expressed strong support for the Board’s decision and welcomed Francis into the role.
“I look forward to working closely with Julie to build on our progress,” Gall said. “Her leadership, strategic vision, and collaborative approach will serve the company well and help unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and long-term shareholder value creation. I am deeply grateful for the dedication and hard work of the MGP team over the past several months and am excited to continue contributing as we execute our strategic vision together.”
Francis also expressed her enthusiasm and commitment to the company’s future.
“MGP’s strong foundation, built on a legacy of quality, operational excellence, and a portfolio of attractive alcoholic spirits brands, is a true credit to this talented team,” she stated. “I am excited to partner with Brandon and the MGP leadership as we build upon this excellent platform to grow our brands, deepen consumer connections, and create value for all stakeholders.”
Extensive Industry Experience and Strategic Acumen
Julie Francis’s career is marked by leadership in some of the largest and most complex organizations in the food and beverage space. Prior to joining MGP, she served as Chief Operating Officer at Schwan’s Company, one of the top producers of frozen foods in the United States. At Schwan’s, she led major operational initiatives, driving supply chain efficiency, innovation, and customer engagement.
Before her tenure at Schwan’s, Francis was Senior Vice President of Commercial and Category Development at Constellation Brands, where she worked across the Total Beverage Alcohol portfolio. There, she played a key role in enhancing commercial capabilities and aligning the company’s diverse portfolio with consumer trends.
Earlier in her career, Francis held various executive positions at The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Enterprises. One of her notable achievements was leading integration efforts between the U.S. operations of the two entities, resulting in the formation of Coca-Cola Refreshments (U.S.)—a strategic move that improved operational synergy and market responsiveness.
Francis also brings strong governance and advisory experience. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Ascend Wellness Holdings (AAWH), a multi-state cannabis operator, and has served as a Board Advisory Director for Nottingham Spirk, an innovation and product design firm. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Alfred University.
A Solid Foundation for Growth
MGP Ingredients enters this new leadership era with confidence and momentum. The company reaffirmed its full-year fiscal 2025 guidance for consolidated sales, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted basic earnings per share (EPS). These projections, initially outlined in MGP’s earnings press release on May 1, 2025, reflect the company’s continued strength in its core operations and its growing position in the branded spirits category.
The decision to install a seasoned executive like Francis at the helm supports MGP’s broader transformation agenda. Over the past several years, MGP has shifted its focus beyond bulk alcohol production to embrace a more brand-forward strategy. The acquisitions of Luxco and Penelope Bourbon have expanded the company’s branded portfolio and market reach, helping establish it as a rising player in the premium spirits landscape.
With a new CEO in place, MGP is now poised to accelerate its brand-building efforts, enhance customer engagement, and pursue operational excellence across all business segments. Stakeholders, from investors to consumers, can expect a leadership style rooted in strategic discipline, market insight, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
