Distill Ventures (DV), the Diageo-backed brand incubator, promoted Heidi Dillon to Chief Executive Officer. Previously managing director of North America, Dillon succeeds Frank Lampen, who will transition to chair of the company. Dillon has led DV’s U.S. business since 2020. A notable contribution was the support she provided to nonalcoholic brand Seedlip, before the brand joined Diageo’s portfolio, as well as the launch of Ritual Zero Proof. The company said Dillon has played a key role in building its nonalcoholic business and helped “shape perceptions” of the category. Dillon also led the creation and launch of DV’s Pre-Accelerator program, which provides funding to entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds. To date, 15 brands have received investment. DV has facilitated five acquisitions by Diageo, including Seedlip, Australian cold brew coffee liqueur Mr. Black, Japanese rice whisky Kikori and German vermouth Belsazar.