Spirit Executive appoints John Robinson as partner
Mark Burgess, manager director and John Robinson, partner, AIMS International Ireland / Spirit Exec
Spirit Executive, the Irish partner firm of AIMS International, has appointed drinks industry leader John Robinson as partner, strengthening its senior executive search capability across beverage alcohol, FMCG and consumer goods in Ireland and internationally.
Founded in 2010, Spirit Executive works on senior leadership appointments from director to C-suite and has delivered search assignments across four continents. The firm partners with global multinationals, private equity-backed businesses and founder-led companies, combining specialist sector knowledge with the international reach of AIMS International, which operates in more than 70 countries.
Vast experience in the drinks industry
Robinson joins after an 18-year commercial career spent predominantly in the drinks industry, with Diageo, AB InBev, Georgian Bay Spirit Co. and DrinksGenius. At Diageo Canada, he led the country’s largest national on-premise portfolio, an $80 million business. He joined Georgian Bay Spirit Co. as its seventh employee and held senior commercial leadership roles during a period in which the business grew fourfold. His experience spans global multinationals and founder-led businesses, including brand building, team leadership, scale-up and turnaround.
He also brings a progressive approach to executive search, including strong AI fluency and a practical understanding of how technology can improve market intelligence, candidate research and the quality and efficiency of search delivery.
As Partner, Robinson will focus on senior appointments across beverage alcohol, FMCG and consumer goods. He will also support the continued development of international mandates through the AIMS International network.
Sector knowledge combined with international reach
Mark Burgess, managing director of Spirit Executive and managing partner of AIMS International Ireland, says that Robinson is a great fit because executive search is strongest when it combines real sector knowledge with genuine international reach. “John has spent 18 years building brands, leading teams and carrying commercial responsibility in global and entrepreneurial businesses. He understands the decisions our clients face because he has made them himself.
“Just as importantly, John brings the progressive mindset and AI fluency required to help shape the next generation of executive search. His appointment strengthens our senior commercial search capability in Ireland and, through AIMS International, our ability to bring that expertise to clients internationally.”
According to Robinson: “After 18 years building drinks businesses, I know that senior appointments are rarely solved by matching a CV to a job description. The real question is what the business needs its next leader to deliver.
“I also believe executive search must continue to evolve. Used intelligently, AI and technology can strengthen research and insight, but they do not replace judgement, relationships or a genuine understanding of the client’s business. Spirit Executive and AIMS International give us a strong platform to combine all of those capabilities for clients in Ireland and internationally.”
