Based in London, Sonia Elia will be responsible for growing brand awareness and understanding of vermouth and the wider aperitif category. She will run trade and consumer trainings and events and continue to build and strengthen Cocchi's relationships with the on-trade sector – focusing especially on key European markets including the UK and Italy.

Sonia brings her passion, energy, and creativity alongside a wealth of knowledge and contacts to Cocchi. She will play a central role driving brand recognition and growth across the globe.

Born and raised in Giarratana (Ragusa – Sicily), she first started her career in the hospitality industry in 2010 in Tutton's Brasserie in Covent Garden, before holding prominent positions at well-known London restaurants and bars including Sartoria, Sheraton Park Lane, and Hilton Park Lane. After a short break in the Balearic Islands, Sonia returned to London in 2017 where she started a sales and ambassadorial role at Global Brands looking after Franklin & Sons' premium soda range.

“I'm really happy for this incredible opportunity. I have made some of the best cocktails of my career using Cocchi so helping to grow such an iconic Italian brand is truly an honour and a dream come true”, says Sonia.

Giorgio Bava, Cocchi's Export Area Manager, adds: “For years now we have invested in building our relationship with the on-trade, a sector which in turn has believed in Cocchi and has supported our global growth. Sonia adds energy and creativity to an already very dynamic team, and we can't wait to toast together in bars across Europe".

In the UK, Sonia will support distributor Speciality Brands' team.