AUSTRALIA. Lark Distilling Co has strengthened its leadership with the appointment of Four Pillars Gin Co-Founder Stuart Gregor as Managing Director and CEO, effective 1 January 2026.
Currently serving as a Non-Executive Director at Lark since last year, the esteemed industry figure will succeed Satya (Sash) Sharma, who concludes his three-year tenure as CEO on 31 December.
Leveraging his more than 25 years of experience, Gregor will bring strategic insight across brand creation, premium drinks marketing, international expansion and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Gregor, a key figure in the Australian drinks sector, co-founded Four Pillars Gin in 2013, elevating it from a small craft operation to a globally renowned gin brand before its 2023 acquisition by Lion (part of Kirin Group), marking a highly successful exit.
In addition to his industry achievements, he co-founded Liquid Ideas, one of the leading PR and marketing firms for premium food, beverage and lifestyle brands, building on his senior leadership experience in communications and brand strategy.
Gregor also served as President of the Australian Distillers Association, where he became instrumental in driving industry growth and enhancing the global reputation of Australia’s spirits industry.
Gregor’s Lark board experience provides insight into governance and strategy, while his background in innovation and global premium brands positions him to drive the company’s growth, Lark Distilling Co noted.
Lark Distilling Co Chairman Domenic Panaccio said: “We are excited to have Stuart join as Lark’s next MD & CEO. Stuart already has a deep understanding of Lark through his role on our Board and has been intimately involved in the re-stage of our brand as we embark on our exciting next chapter.
“Today’s announcement reflects our strong focus on effective succession planning, ensuring a smooth and orderly transition that positions Lark for continued success in its next phase of growth.
“Stuart combines deep category knowledge, proven entrepreneurial credentials and global perspective with an unrivalled passion for Australian spirits. His leadership will accelerate Lark’s ambition to be recognised as a leader in new world whisky, while continuing to build on the exceptional legacy created under Sash’s stewardship.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to sincerely thank Sash for his outstanding leadership and commitment to Lark. He has navigated the business through a period of transformation and growth.
“During his tenure, Lark delivered consistent and sustainable results, expanded into key international markets, strengthened our portfolio offering, fortified our balance sheet and established an operational platform designed to deliver sustainable long-term value.
“Sash has also been instrumental in driving operational excellence, embedding strong governance, and elevating the company to its position as Australia’s number one luxury single malt. We are delighted he will remain with Lark until year end, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership. He departs with our gratitude and very best wishes for the future.”
Gregor said, “The opportunity to lead Lark is rare and exciting in the Australian distilling landscape and is the only one that would have attracted me back into the industry following the successful sale of Four Pillars to Lion.
“I’m genuinely excited about the future of Lark. Sash and the team have built a solid foundation, and now is the perfect time to leverage our position, grow the business and spread the Lark story across the globe.
“We have Australia’s most iconic legacy in Bill and Lyn Lark, and one of the country’s finest and most creative distillers in Chris Thomson, crafting some of the world’s best whiskies. In addition, with the unique access to rare Seppeltsfield casks, our Tasmanian peat marsh and the whisky-making super climate that Tasmania offers, we have everything we need to take this brand to new heights. I’m excited to lead Lark and the team for what will be an incredible period ahead.”
Outgoing CEO Satya Sharma commented: “It has been a privilege to lead Lark and to work with such a talented and passionate team over the past three years. I am grateful for the opportunity both professionally and personally.
“I am proud of what we have achieved and deeply grateful that together, we have strengthened the business, expanded our reach, and reinforced Lark’s position as Australia’s number one luxury single malt. I leave knowing the company is in excellent hands.
“Stu and I already have a close working relationship, and I am committed to ensuring I support him in this transition. I am excited to see Lark accelerate under Stu’s leadership with the foundations now well and truly set for what is going to be an incredible next chapter.” ✈
