With extensive experience in the beverage and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries, Esther has spearheaded international brand launches at leading corporations such as Molson Coors, Bacardi, Revlon, and Procter & Gamble. She had a pivotal role in establishing William Lawson's Scotch Whisky as the fastest-growing brand within the Bacardi spirits portfolio, and she led transformation initiatives that brought profitability to Revlon's regional business.

Esther's achievements have been recognized through numerous industry awards, including the Drinks International Award for Best Luxury Drinks Launch, International Spirits Challenge medals for taste, design & packaging, and new individual product, and The San Francisco World Spirits Competition double-gold medal.

Esther completed the Digital Transformation Executive Education Program from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University.  

‍What excites you about the adult beverage industry?
‍It’s both a functional and emotional category. What you choose to drink on which occasion says something about you – and that’s where building a brand comes in.  Founders have such belief and passion in their brands that is contagious.  It’s important to get the brand fundamentals in place as that dictates where and how you show up and be strategic and choiceful in where you want to win.  

‍What do you look for in a founder or portfolio company?
‍Belief, passion, grit, and clear demonstration of product market fit.  

‍What is something people may be surprised to learn about you? 
‍I love marrying form and function and have been a ceramicist for decades, taking classes and learning from many artists as I lived and worked in different countries –  I recently opened an Etsy shop, Halenani. Halenani means beautiful home in Hawaiian and takes me back to my roots growing up there.