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KRISTINA MARINO

Fractional CMO | Premium BevAlc Expert | Brand Growth Architect

Kristina Marino is a seasoned Fractional CMO with a stellar track record in the premium BevAlc space. Over the years, she has played a pivotal role in bringing three iconic, emerging brands to acquisition and integration, while partnering with founders to co-develop high-growth, disruptive brands in the marketplace. With a customer-centric approach, Kristina is known for her charisma, intuition, and results-driven leadership.

As a full-stack marketer, Kristina's extensive experience includes brand and creative strategies, annual consumer and trade marketing plans, go-to-market strategies, P&L management, and market research. Her expertise spans various marketing channels, such as on-premise, experiential, influencer marketing, content development and distribution, e-commerce, PR, and brand partnerships.

Some of Kristina's notable achievements include:

  • As Head of Marketing for Mr. Black Spirit, Kristina led the US market to achieve 4 consecutive years of double & triple digit growth, quickly scaling the new-to-market, Australian-based brand to over 35K 9lce, making Mr Black the highest selling Australian spirit and the #1 Super Premium Coffee Liqueur in the USA. Acquired by Diageo in Sep 2022.

  • As the Marketing Director for Kombrewcha, Marino crafted a unique value proposition, liquid, pack, marketing strategy, voice, and partnership platform for Kombrewcha, transforming it into an industry leader in the hard kombucha space. Acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2016

  • Repositioned and launched the award-winning, premium spirits brand, Stolen Rum, as their National Marketing Director. Achieved 150% growth YoY. Acquired by Liquid Asset Brands / Spirit Investment Partners in Nov 2015

  • Developed a full-service digital department as Group Account Director for consumer engagement agency Mirrorball, working with brands like Perrier, Amstel, Pernod, Hpnotiq, and Espolon Tequila.