Skip to main content
2025 NABCA Annual Conference Main banner
Icon Legend
This session is not in your schedule.
This session is in your schedule. Click again to remove it.

Melanie Batchelor (she/her/hers)

Austin, Texas

Melanie Batchelor is the dynamic Managing Director of Campari America, a growing powerhouse group in the U.S. spirits market. With more than 30 years of experience in business and the last 13 years with Campari Group, Batchelor has left an indelible mark on the U.S. and global beverage industries. Known as an empowering, thoughtful, approachable and decisive leader, Batchelor has successfully led and impacted teams around the world to deliver strong results, while creating environments where people feel valued, respected and thrive.

Career Highlights: Leadership Roles: Before taking the helm in the U.S., Batchelor served as the Managing Director of Campari Canada, and prior to that held roles such as Global Vice President of Spirits and Vice President of Marketing for the U.S with Campari. Her strategic vision and remarkable ability to motivate and inspire teams, have propelled some of the world’s most iconic spirits brands to new heights.

Business Transformations: Under her leadership, Wild Turkey was reignited on a successful premiumization journey and was acknowledged as Wine Enthusiast’s Spirit of the Year. She also spearheaded the transformation of Aperol in the U.S. from a niche Italian brand to a cultural icon, achieving successive years of double-digit growth. Additionally, she nurtured Espolon Tequila into the position of one of the leading premium tequilas in the U.S. earning the title of Market Watch’s Spirit of the Year.

Current Role: In her current role, Batchelor oversees all aspects of the U.S. business, focusing on the growth and premiumization of the portfolio. She leads a team of 500 passionate Camparistas, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and belonging.

Leadership Philosophy: Batchelor is renowned for her natural leadership and commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive culture. Her own experiences working in the UK, Asia, Australia and North America have provided lessons in resilience, learning from both winning and failure, the importance of being ‘human’ with everyone we interact with and how collaboration and shared purpose drives success. She believes in leading by example and actively encourages leadership opportunities for her team across the organization and the industry.

Personal Interests: A native of Australia, Batchelor enjoys hiking, skiing, traveling, and responsibly enjoying a Negroni.

Disclosure information not submitted.

Presentation(s):

Email Melanie