Talking Rain Beverage Company has recently announced the appointment of Rich DePencier as its first Chief Growth Officer. This is seen as a key move in the company’s aggressive strategy to energize future growth and meet consumer demand for Sparkling Ice, the number one bestselling sparkling water brand.
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DePencier began his career at Procter & Gamble by honing his management skills with major brands including Tide and Charmin, prior to leading a beauty care portfolio including Pantene, Olay and Cover Girl. Recruited by Starbucks to create and lead its new CPG business unit, he served as Vice President, Global Consumer Products, responsible for leading the global expansion of the consumer products business unit. During his tenure at Starbucks, DePencier also led the P&L of the U.S. retail beverage business and the creation of the company’s first global product portfolio pipeline.
Thanks to his extensive leadership in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, DePencier brings both deep brand management expertise and a passion for innovation in marketing, product development and retail.
DePencier’s sweet spot is building highly motivated brand teams to accelerate share growth across channels, cultures, and countries around the globe. He has built and led some of the world’s favorite and iconic consumer brands for Fortune 100 companies, including Procter & Gamble and Starbucks.
“We’re excited to put a stake in the ground and bring the beloved Sparkling Ice brand to life in fresh ways that will delight millions of our loyal fans,” stated Rich DePencier, Chief Growth Officer at Talking Rain Beverage Company. “Sparkling Ice will also energize a whole new legion of Zillennial flavor lovers as the company goes all in with investments in R&D, brand management, best-in-class advertising and media firms, A-list talent, and a deep commitment to connect with them via new media platforms.”
DePencier brings decades of expertise driving the global success of branded CPG, including building the Starbucks ready-to-drink coffee line into a global business. At Talking Rain, DePencier’s primary focus will be leading cross-functionally to grow the company’s market share, revenue, and profitability. Further, he will emphasize innovation throughout the company, and optimize existing product offerings, including multichannel products, packaging, and flavors. Concurrently, he will explore additional avenues for growth in new geographies, as well as non-traditional and emerging channels.
“We’re entering an exceptional era for Talking Rain and the Sparkling Ice brand. I’m grateful to have Rich DePencier join our organization as we proactively and aggressively look to expand our position as the number one sparkling water brand in the U.S., transforming Sparkling Ice into a lifestyle icon,” stated Ken Sylvia, Chief Executive Officer at Talking Rain Beverage Company. “As a company, we’re squarely in investment mode on all fronts – including attracting world-class talent. I’m confident that adding Rich’s growth-oriented mindset, strong leadership, and deep passion for our brand is a recipe for success.”