MGP Ingredients Names Matias Bentel as CMO and Chris Wiseman as Senior VP of Operations
Leadership Appointments: MGP Ingredients, Inc. has appointed Matias Bentel as chief marketing officer and Chris Wiseman as senior vice president of operations, both joining the executive leadership team under CEO Julie Francis.
Matias Bentel's Background: Bentel brings extensive marketing experience from his previous roles at Brown-Forman, Diageo, and Allied Domecq, and will oversee all marketing initiatives at MGP.
Chris Wiseman's Expertise: Wiseman, with nearly 20 years in manufacturing and supply chain, previously served as vice president of manufacturing at Schwan's Company and will manage all operational aspects at MGP.
Company Overview: MGP Ingredients has been a key player in the spirits and specialty ingredient industries since 1941, known for its premium brands and diverse product offerings across various segments.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Analyst Views on MGPI
About MGPI
About the author


- Product Comeback: Rebel Bourbon announces the return of Rebel Root Beer Whiskey, featuring a classic wheated recipe infused with bold root beer flavors, priced at $19.99 for a 750mL bottle and $0.99 for a 50mL bottle, expected to attract a wide consumer base.
- Flavor Profile: The whiskey combines classic root beer flavors of sassafras, vanilla, and licorice with aged bourbon notes of caramel and honey, aiming to provide a unique drinking experience that enhances the brand's market competitiveness.
- Marketing Promotion: The distinctive label design and 'Shoot the Root' branding will be promoted through merchandise giveaways and chilled pour machines, aiming to boost consumer engagement and brand awareness.
- Brand History: Rebel Bourbon has been known for its wheated recipe since 1849 and has recently won multiple industry awards, including the 2025 Single Barrel American Whiskey of the Year, highlighting its position in the premium spirits market.
- Product Comeback: Rebel Bourbon announces the return of the popular Rebel Root Beer Whiskey, which combines its traditional wheated recipe with bold root beer flavors, expected to attract loyal consumers and enhance brand visibility.
- Pricing Strategy: Rebel Root Beer Whiskey is launched at a suggested retail price of $19.99 for a 750mL bottle and $0.99 for a 50mL bottle, aiming to attract a broader consumer base through competitive pricing and strengthen market presence.
- Marketing Activation: The product's distinctive label and “Shoot the Root” branding will engage consumers through merchandise giveaways and shot machines, likely increasing brand interaction and customer loyalty.
- Industry Recognition: Other Rebel Bourbon products have received multiple industry awards in 2025, including “Single Barrel American Whiskey of the Year,” which will further enhance consumer trust and anticipation for the new product.
- Board Transition: MGP Ingredients announced that Karen Seaberg will retire on December 14, 2025, after over 15 years of service, indicating a strategic leadership transition within the company.
- New Director Appointment: Julie Francis will join the Board on December 15, 2025, and as the current CEO, her addition is expected to enhance the Board's strategic focus and leadership, aiding in the execution of the company's long-term strategy.
- Leadership Succession: Seaberg noted that her retirement comes at a time of significant progress in attracting and retaining leadership talent, reflecting the company's robustness and foresight in its ongoing development.
- Long-term Value Creation: Francis emphasized the commitment to advancing MGP's strong heritage and long-term strategy, aiming to create lasting value for all stakeholders, which underscores the company's confidence and commitment to future growth.
- Index Adjustments: The S&P 500 will add six companies, including CRH, Carvana, and Comfort Systems USA, effective December 22, 2025, aiming to enhance the index's representation of market capitalization ranges, thereby increasing its investment appeal.
- Small-Cap Changes: The S&P SmallCap 600 will remove several companies, such as SPX Technologies and Dycom Industries, indicating these firms no longer represent the small-cap market, which may influence asset allocation strategies for investors.
- Mid-Cap Updates: The S&P MidCap 400 will add companies like UL Solutions and Pinterest, enhancing its representation in the industrial and communication services sectors, potentially attracting more mid-cap investors.
- Market Impact: These adjustments will affect investment portfolios across multiple sectors, particularly in materials and consumer goods, prompting investors to monitor the potential implications for market liquidity and sector performance.
- Index Adjustments: The S&P 500 will add CRH, Carvana, and Comfort Systems USA on December 22, 2025, reflecting changes in market capitalization and enhancing the index's representativeness.
- Small-Cap Changes: The S&P SmallCap 600 will remove LKQ, Solstice Advanced Materials, and Mohawk Industries, indicating these companies no longer meet small-cap market standards.
- Mid-Cap Updates: The S&P MidCap 400 will add UL Solutions, Pinterest, and Booz Allen Hamilton, aiming to improve mid-cap market performance and investment appeal.
- Market Impact: These adjustments will likely increase investor attention on the affected companies, potentially leading to stock price volatility and reflecting dynamic changes in the small and mid-cap markets.








