Don Papa Rum → Diageo
Building the Supply Chain and Procurement team behind one of the world’s fastest-growing premium rum brands.
At a glance
Industry
Premium Spirits
Business Stage
International Scale-Up
TalentPool Partnership
2019–2023
TalentPool Appointments
6 Strategic Hires
Functions Sorted
Supply Chain & Procurement
Strategic Objectives
Build the operational capability to support international growth
Outcome
Acquired by Diageo (2023)
The Opportunity
Founded in the Philippines, Don Papa Rum rapidly established itself as one of the world’s most exciting premium spirits brands, celebrated for its distinctive positioning, premium quality and strong consumer appeal.
As international demand accelerated, the business needed to strengthen its operational infrastructure to support continued global expansion. Building a high-performing Supply Chain and Procurement function became a strategic priority to ensure the business could scale efficiently while maintaining the quality, service and agility expected of a premium international brand. Between 2019 and 2023, TalentPool partnered with Don Papa to help build the operational leadership required to support this next phase of growth.
TalentPool Impact
Over the course of our partnership, TalentPool made six strategic appointments across Supply Chain and Procurement, helping strengthen the operational capability that underpinned Don Papa’s international growth.
Functions supported:
- Supply Chain
- Procurement
Our contribution helped Don Papa:
- Build a high-performing operational leadership team
- Strengthen end-to-end supply chain capability
- Enhance procurement expertise to support international growth
- Improve operational resilience as global demand increased
- Create the infrastructure required to scale efficiently across multiple international markets
Creating Value
As Don Papa expanded its international footprint, investment in operational capability became a critical enabler of sustainable growth.
By strengthening its Supply Chain and Procurement functions, the business enhanced its ability to support increasing global demand while preserving the quality and premium positioning that made the brand distinctive. In 2023, Diageo acquired Don Papa, adding one of the fastest-growing premium rum brands to its global portfolio. The acquisition reflected the strength of the brand, its international momentum and its long-term growth potential.
Why It Matters
International growth depends on more than building consumer demand, it requires the operational capability to scale consistently and efficiently.
Don Papa demonstrates how investment in specialist Supply Chain and Procurement talent can strengthen business capability, support global expansion and contribute to long-term enterprise value.
The TalentPool Difference
Behind every successful global consumer brand is an operational team capable of delivering at scale.
TalentPool is proud to have partnered with Don Papa during a defining period of its international growth, helping build the Supply Chain and Procurement capability that supported its expansion and contributed to its successful acquisition by Diageo.
Building Brands. Creating Value. Hiring the People Who Make It Happen.
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