Our Leaders

Seth Kaufman

President and CEO

Seth Kaufman’s experience has spanned marketing, sales, operating and GM assignments across beverages, snacks, nutrition-oriented food and beverage, and luxury wine and spirits. Most recently, he was President/CEO Möet Hennessy North America.

Seth is recognized as a transformational, people-first leader. He has a proven track-record of guiding teams to large-scale transformation resulting in significantly improved performance. Grounded in classic marketing, brand management and sales, cross-functional and general management leadership roles, Seth ignites growth through talent development and winning team building, P&L management and breakthrough innovation and marketing.

Kristina Johnston

Chief Financial Officer

Kristina Johnston, Chief Financial Officer of Vintage Wine Estates, oversees Finance and Accounting for VWE. Prior to joining VWE in 2022, Kristina spent 17 years at Constellation Brands, Inc., where she held various leadership roles focused on public company reporting requirements, finance processes, budgeting and forecasting. Kristina’s knowledge of public company finance and accounting, paired with her career in the beverage industry, allows her to successfully support VWE’s planned financial growth.

Ryan Watson

Chief Marketing Officer

Ryan Watson, Chief Marketing Officer, leads VWE's efforts to drive consumer- and demand-centric thinking across the enterprise with responsibilities for insights, data & analytics, brands, innovation and portfolio management, DTC and digital strategy as well as design, public relations and communications. Prior to joining VWE, Ryan held marketing and P&L leadership roles at Amazon, Kraft Heinz, and two high-growth consumer companies. He began his career at Goldman Sachs and spent time at Boston Consulting Group where he was a Partner focused on digital, growth, and marketing topics in a range of consumer industries.

Rodrigo de Oliveira

Head of Operations

Rodrigo de Oliveira, as Head of Operations, spearheads the strategic management of the company's operational functions, including Supply Chain, Production, and Winemaking. His extensive professional background is marked by a succession of senior leadership roles within international public corporations. Prior to his current position, Rodrigo held key executive positions overseeing Supply Chain and Operations at distinguished CPG entities such as Greenlane Holdings, Nike's accessories division, Brightstar Corp, General Electric, and Oakley in several countries in Latin America, Europe and Asia.

Holly Hawkins

Senior Vice President, Human Resources

Holly Hawkins oversees all aspects of people management, ensuring alignment with organizational goals as well as compliance with industry regulations. Prior to joining Vintage Wine Estates, Holly held key leadership roles at renowned organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club and Constellation Brands Inc. Holly holds certifications in HR from both SHRM and HRCI, as well as in DEI from University of Southern Florida, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Known for her strategic mindset, collaborative approach, combined with her breadth and depth of experience driving major, impactful initiatives, Holly is dedicated to driving organizational success through effective people leadership.

Cole Boyer

SVP, Partnerships and Chief of Staff

Cole Boyer, SVP, Partnerships & Chief of Staff leads VWE’s agenda across strategic commercial partnerships, tactical execution of value-creating commercial agreements and business development while simultaneously holding a critical Project Management role. Cole has been credited with helping consumer companies in creating meaningful EBITDA contributions, developing strategic sales and marketing processes, forging new business opportunities and more. Prior to joining VWE, he held multiple leadership roles, most recently serving as a division EVP at VaynerX.