Larry Emdur’s The Ben Buckler Whisky Company has announced the appointment of Kristy Bloomfield as Chief Executive Officer.

Founded by Emdur in celebration of his 60th birthday to give as a specialty-batch gift to his closest friends, The Ben Buckler has gone on to earn international awards in four of the worlds major spirit competitions and garner strong demand across many Australia’s leading venues, hotels and liquor retailers.

Emdur’s appointment of Bloomfield comes ahead of major plans for expansion for the brand.

Emdur said: “I originally just wanted to make 60 bottles of whisky for 60 mates for my 60th birthday.

“It was never supposed to become a business – it was genuinely just a fun thing to do with friends. Then suddenly people started asking where they could buy it, venues wanted to stock it and before we knew it, this little side project had completely taken on a life of its own.

“The momentum behind The Ben Buckler has honestly been incredible. People have connected with it because it feels authentic and ‘seriously’ unpretentious. We’re very proud that something which started so organically has now become a genuinely respected Australian whisky brand.”

Inspired by the iconic Bondi headland from which it takes its name, The Ben Buckler has secured national distribution through Paramount Liquor and ALM Connect, alongside premium placements across leading venues in Sydney and Melbourne and retail ranging including Heinemann Duty Free, where initial allocations sold out rapidly.

Internationally, The Ben Buckler has also attracted significant industry recognition, securing four Gold medals across leading global spirits competitions including San Francisco, New York, Asia and China.

Emdur has appointed Bloomfield to help guide the company through its next phase of expansion.

“Kristy is an exceptional operator with a phenomenal track record building global brands,” Emdur said. “She understands premium consumer businesses at the very highest level and knows how to scale brands internationally while still protecting what makes them special. Bringing her into the business is a huge moment for us.”

Bloomfield joins The Ben Buckler following senior leadership roles at both Lyre’s Spirit Co and Sullivans Cove Distillery.

Bloomfield was Global Chief Marketing Officer at Lyre’s, where she was an integral member of the leadership team that led the Australian-founded business into becoming the world’s number one best-selling and trending non-alcoholic spirits brand (Drinks International in 2024).

Most recently Bloomfield was serving as the Chief Marketing Officer at Sullivans Cove Distillery, helping strengthen the international positioning of one of Australia’s most awarded luxury whisky brands.

Bloomfield says The Ben Buckler’s appeal lies in the rare authenticity behind the brand.

“What Larry has created is incredibly genuine,” she says. “The Ben Buckler doesn’t feel manufactured or overly corporate. It began with a brilliant narrative and a real passion for creating something to build connection and sociability between mates. That authenticity is incredibly powerful, particularly in today’s premium spirits landscape, the Ben Buckler story is one that resonates.

“The brand already has exceptional foundations – from the product itself to the consumer engagement around it. The opportunity now is to scale that thoughtfully and strategically both within Australia and internationally. The Ben Buckler will recruit the next generation into whisky category becoming one of Australia’s most aspirational brands. ”

The company is currently preparing for its next phase of growth, with a capital raise on the horizon, as it expands domestic distribution, strengthens export opportunities and builds broader presence across premium hospitality and retail channels.