Wykes has been in the drinks industry for more than 20 years. She joins from Pontoon Cocktails where she was sales director and was formerly managing director of Marblehead Brand Development, part of the Quintessential Brands Group.
Wykes is said to have helped build the Martin Miller’s gin brand during her seven years working with The Reformed Spirits Company, as well as The Kraken Spiced rum and Don Papa rum during her time at Marblehead.
Wykes joins Paul Archard and Jason Barber, the brand founders, and the rest of the team who are based in West Dorset, England.
Wykes said: “We have some big plans for the next five years and I look forward to be part of that journey’.
Black Cow co-founder Paul Archard said: “Black Cow’s progress has so far been blessed with amazing bits of serendipity. One of the most significant is the chance introduction to Emma, who I met to ask for some sage advice. Everyone you talk to in the business says she is incredibly well thought of and is one of the few people that the more quietly she speaks, the more carefully people listen. I was absolutely thrilled that Emma wanted to work with us.”
Black Cow, the world’s first pure milk vodka, will be launching in six new markets in 2016 including the US, Hong Kong, Denmark, Spain & Australia.
Black Cow (40% abv, RRP £32), is said to be made in Dorset, from the milk of grass grazed cows. Positioned as a super premium vodka, it is distilled from the whey of milk and treated to a secret blending process created by dairy farmer Jason Barber.
His inspiration is said to have come from a desire to diversify the produce from his 250-strong dairy herd and his personal interest in vodka.
