Spirits Executive Malcolm Ellis Joins Blackleaf Organic Vodka Advisory Board

Washington, D.C. – June 8, 2026 - Blackleaf Organic Vodka, the premium craft spirits brand built on the ethos of “laid-back luxury,” today announced the appointment of veteran spirits industry leader Malcolm Ellis to its advisory board. Ellis brings nearly two decades of corporate leadership, premium brand architecture, and a proven track record of nurturing independent, founder-led brands to the Blackleaf team.

Ellis spent close to twenty years at Diageo, one of the world's largest premium drinks companies, where he held a succession of senior leadership roles. Notably, he led the luxury strategy for Crown Royal—one of North America's most prominent whisky franchises—sharpening the instinct for elevated, design-forward brand building that drew him to Blackleaf's unique market positioning.

As Diageo's Head of Diverse Investments, Ellis led the company's landmark Pronghorn partnership, a dedicated initiative to build and scale a thriving ecosystem of diverse entrepreneurs across the spirits industry. This role gave him first-hand experience guiding exactly the kind of independent, high-growth brands that Blackleaf represents. Demonstrating a rare blend of creative brand sensibility and operational discipline, Ellis also served as Diageo's Global Director of Technology and Strategy, earning the company's prestigious Global CIO Award.

“Malcolm’s deep enterprise experience paired with his genuine passion for scaling independent, founder-driven brands makes him an invaluable addition to Blackleaf,” said Kevin Larkai and Monté Burrow, founders of Blackleaf Organic Vodka. “His understanding of luxury brand strategy and operational execution aligns perfectly with our vision for taking ‘laid-back luxury’ to a global audience.”

Today, Ellis has formed an advisory and consulting practice through which he counsels growth-stage brands on commercial strategy, positioning, and scale. A graduate of Howard University and Board Chairman of the New York Urban League, he also holds an MIT Professional Education credential in Applied Agentic AI for Organizational Transformation, bringing a forward-looking, cutting-edge advantage to the brands he advises.

About Blackleaf Organic

Founded by Kevin Larkai and Monté Burrow, Blackleaf Organic is a consumer products company focused on sustainability, style, and celebration of the human spirit. They are product development and innovation focused, creating eco-conscious products that seek to disrupt the status quo. Blackleaf Organic Vodka is its multi award-winning inaugural product launch and is the perfect blend of premium and organic. Carefully handcrafted in the heart of the acclaimed Cognac region of France, their 5-stage copper pot artisanal distillation produces a vodka that is not only smooth but full of character. They are proud to have the first French organic vodka on the market.