Australian-owned beverage company, Blue Sky Drinks Co. has appointed Paul Slaughter as CEO, commencing immediately. The move follows the company’s official launch last October, as it plans to become Australia’s largest independent spirits and RTD business.
Blue Sky Drinks burst onto the drinks scene in October 2025, with the acquisition of Top Shelf International’s (TSI) portfolio, after TSI went into voluntary administration in August.
The deal included Ned Australian Whisky, Grainshaker Vodka, and the exclusive licence for Act of Treason agave spirit – which Blue Sky Drinks is gearing up to relaunch under the brand Sollos. The company also incorporates RTD brand, Gravity Drinks Co., co-founded by the Blue Sky Drinks team.
Australian Whisky, Gravity Drinks Co., Grainshaker Vodka, and Australian Agave spirit brand Sollos.
Source: Blue Sky Drinks Co
Blue Sky Drinks founder and chairman, Mick Spencer, said the time is right to introduce a leader with a proven track record.
“It’s been a huge six months since the merger, and we’ve achieved an enormous amount in that time, reducing $10 million of our cost base and increasing active outlets by fifty percent,” said Spencer.
“Paul brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience. He's led some incredible Australian brands through periods of transformation and growth, understands complex operations and has a proven ability to build high-performing teams.
“I expect he'll strengthen every part of the organisation, but most importantly, he'll help create an environment where great people can do their best work and where our brands can continue to grow,” he said.
Slaughter’s leadership experience extends across Australia’s food, beverage and consumer sectors, having previously served as CEO of Stellar Distribution, Harvest Road Group, and Mrs Mac’s. He will now lead Blue Sky Drinks’s 30-person team in its next phase of growth.
“I’ve led or worked on a lot of quality businesses with great people in the past, and I can honestly say that this small, but building team, punches incredibly above its weight,” said Slaughter.
“What they’ve achieved since December is nothing short of incredible; a major acquisition and integration of assets and brands, keeping all brands tracking well, on shelf, and servicing customers. That takes a particular kind of resilience and genuine belief in the vision… you cannot manufacture that.”
Blue Sky Drinks is preparing for a major second half of the year, with Sollos launching into trade in the next few weeks, and the new Sollos cellar door in the Whitsundays opening at the end of August. Ned Australian Whisky is also gearing up to launch a new whisky-flavoured liqueur, Bickie, built on the success of the brand’s Anzac biscuit inspired Golden Bickie whisky liqueur.
