Hero Main
May 5-7, 2025
Boston, Massachusetts
Malte Barnekow

Malte Barnekow

CEO
,
Four Walls Whiskey

Malte Barnekow is a highly experienced executive in the beverage industry, with a strong background in launching and managing successful businesses. He is currently the CEO of Four Walls Whiskey - an Irish American whiskey brand co-founded by Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton. Prior to this, Malte was the Co-Founder of New York Cocktail Company, Inc., building on the success of Dante restaurant group's bottled cocktails. He also served as President of Casa Azul Spirits, Inc., where he successfully launched an ultra-premium organic tequila and a range of tequila seltzers with a $40+ million budget. As CEO and Co-Founder of Fords Gin, Malte played an integral role in the company's growth and eventual sale to Brown Forman. His vast experience also includes various leadership roles at The Absolut Company (Pernod Ricard), where he navigated the company's transition and managed portfolios of international spirits brands. Malte holds an MBA from INSEAD and a Bachelor's degree in Systems Design and Administration from Lund University. His expertise in building businesses, strategic planning, and beverage industry knowledge make him a highly sought-after professional in the field.