Julie Francis Named New CEO of MGP Ingredients, Inc.

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Leadership Transition at MGP Ingredients

ATCHISON, Kan., July 21, 2025 – MGP Ingredients, Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI), a leading provider of branded and distilled spirits and food ingredient solutions, has appointed Julie Francis as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Francis is expected to join the Board of Directors at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Brandon Gall, who has served as Interim CEO since January 1, 2025, will continue in his role as Chief Financial Officer.


Board and Executive Endorsements

“Julie is a proven leader with decades of experience driving growth and value creation across the food and beverage space, making her the ideal candidate to lead MGP forward,” said Martin Roper, Chairman of the Board. “We are confident in her ability to advance our long-term vision of becoming a premier, branded spirits company.”

“I look forward to working closely with Julie to build on our progress,” added Gall. “Her leadership, strategic vision, and collaborative approach will serve the company well and help unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and long-term shareholder value creation.”


About Julie Francis

Francis brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the branded food and beverage industries. Her previous roles include:

  • Chief Operating Officer at Schwan’s Company
  • SVP of Commercial and Category Development at Constellation Brands
  • Multiple leadership roles at The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Enterprises, where she helped integrate U.S. operations into Coca-Cola Refreshments

She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Ascend Wellness Holdings (AAWH) and has been a Board Advisory Director for Nottingham Spirk. Francis holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Alfred University.


Financial Outlook Reaffirmed

MGP Ingredients reaffirmed its fiscal 2025 guidance for consolidated sales, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted basic EPS, as previously announced in its May 1, 2025 earnings release.


About MGP Ingredients, Inc.

Founded in 1941, MGP Ingredients (Nasdaq: MGPI) operates across three segments:

  • Branded Spirits: Includes award-winning brands like Penelope, Rebel, Remus, Yellowstone bourbons, and El Mayor tequila
  • Distilling Solutions: Produces spirits for world-renowned brands
  • Ingredient Solutions: Offers specialty fiber, protein, and starch ingredients for food products

With operations in Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Northern Ireland, and a tequila joint venture in Mexico, MGP is a leader in innovation and quality. Learn more at MGPIngredients.com.


⚠️ Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties. Please refer to MGP’s filings with the SEC for a full list of risk factors.

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