SLYRS Strengthens Leadership Team: Steffen Brandt Joins as Co-Managing Director

Schliersee, February 2025 – SLYRS Bavarian Whisky Distillery is embarking on an exciting new chapter. On March 1, 2025, Steffen Brandt will step into the role of Co-Managing Director for Sales & Marketing. Partnering with Managing Director and Master Distiller Hans Kemenater, Brandt will help propel SLYRS to new heights, further solidifying its position as Germany's leading whiskey brand on both the national and international stage.

With over 20 years of leadership in FMCG and the beverage industry, Brandt has built brands across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, leading Pitu at Underberg, Karoo Spring Water, and driving Gebr. Heinemann's international expansion. Now, he's bringing his expertise to SLYRS to accelerate international growth, digital transformation, and sustainability initiatives.

"SLYRS “is more than whiskey—it’s an experience,” says Brandt. “I'm excited to shape the future of this brand with Hans and the team, blending tradition with innovation for sustainable success.”

Hans Kemenater adds: “With Steffen, we have gained a strategic powerhouse who knows how to elevate premium brands on a global scale. Together, we will create fresh momentum for SLYRS and showcase Bavarian whiskey excellence to the world.”

With this dynamic duo at the helmet, SLYRS is poised to explore new frontiers while remaining deeply rooted in its Bavarian heritage.

This leadership evolution comes amid a wave of success SLYRS. The distillery has earned top honors, including 'German Whisky of the Year' at the prestigious ISW competition in 2023 and at Germany's leading whiskey magazine, The Whiskyambassador, in 2024. Additionally, SLYRS has secured multiple category wins and gold medals at the esteemed World Whiskeys Awards, including 'Best German Blended Malt' and 'Best German Rye Whisky' at the 2025 edition.

In his new role, Brandt will focus on accelerating international expansion, championing digital transformation, and reinforcing SLYRS'commitment to sustainability. The SLYRS team is confident that its strategic vision, innovative approach, and global experience will serve as a catalyst for the long-term growth of the distillery. Together with the entire SLYRS community, Brandt and Kemenater will honor the brand's traditions while shaping an ambitious, sustainable, and forward thinking future for SLYRS.

SLYRS – The whiskey pioneers from Upper Bavaria 

As whiskey pioneers from Upper Bavaria, SLYRS has been setting standards in whiskey expertise since 1999. With great attention to detail, Managing Director and Master Distiller Hans Kemenater and his team craft a true original in the heart of the Bavarian Alps: SLYRS. The distillery at Schliersee is a place where tradition meets innovation, creating whiskey with unmistakable character and depth.

The SLYRS Whiskey distillery stands for the highest quality manufacturing. The whiskey pioneers from Upper Bavaria are true distillers of conviction. Their unwavering passion and dedication to craftsmanship are the foundation of the outstanding quality of their internationally acclaimed whiskeys and liqueurs. But as one of Germany's largest whiskey producers, SLYRS does not rest on its laurels.

This commitment to excellence has been recognized with some of the most prestigious industry awards. SLYRS was named 'German Whisky of the Year' at the renowned ISW competition in 2023 and by Germany's leading whiskey magazine, The Whiskyambassador, in 2024. Additionally, SLYRS achieved multiple category wins and gold medals at the esteemed World Whiskeys Awards, Including 'Best German Blended Malt' and 'Best German Rye Whisky' at the 2025 edition.

Authenticity is at the core of SLYRS. Only the finest Bavarian grain and pure Alpine spring water from the Schliersee mountains are used to craft SLYRS whiskey. The entire production and barrel-aging process takes place on-site, ensuring a distinctive Upper Bavarian character in every bottle.

The whisky pioneers of SLYRS are continuously evolving, maintaining their leading role in the German whiskey market. With bold creativity, unwavering passion, and Bavarian charm, they push boundaries—creating whiskey of the highest quality that originates in Bavaria and is enjoyed around the world.

learn more about SLYRS: SLYRS Brand Story

Press release