Chuck Speed, Founder and CEO of Kurai Ventures
Education
M.B.A. Middlesex University, London, England
B.S. Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida
My Story
Chuck Speed has spent over 20 years in the drinks industry. As CEO and Founder of Kurai Ventures since 2023, he has also served as Vice President of Commercial Planning at Volio Imports and Director of Sales for Sun Goddess Wines by Mary J. Blige. He has developed and led commercial strategies for some of the industry's most successful companies, including Pernod Ricard, Edrington Americas, McBride Sisters Wine Company, and Molson Coors Brewing Company. Chuck's expertise lies in building teams that develop and execute go-to-market strategies for emerging brands. As CEO of Kurai Ventures, he is committed to nurturing entrepreneurial behavior and helping founders and ventures achieve perpetual personal and business growth.
Jennifer Van Ness, Head of Marketing and Partner of Kurai Ventures
Education
MBA, Dartmouth, Tuck School of Business, Hanover, New Hampshire
B.A. University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
My Story
Jennifer is a senior executive who has led iconic and nascent brands to unprecedented growth on behalf of Diageo, Colgate-Palmolive, and other billion-dollar-plus organizations. On behalf of Diageo, she sat on the board and had plant and administrative oversight for a multi-million dollar Mexican-based organization. Jennifer has also worked as a financial analyst on Wall Street, covering the consumer goods sector. More recently, Jennifer has operated her own consulting firm, where she has counseled both traditional and emerging businesses on creating strategies for growth.
Kris Jester General Partner
Education
B.A. University of Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
My Story
Kris is a seasoned sales leader with over 20 years in the beverage industry, known for driving profitability and revenue growth. His strengths in team leadership and relationship building have fostered strong partnerships with distributors and stakeholders. Having worked with top companies like Mountain Valley Spring Water Company, Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, Pernod Ricard, and MillerCoors, Kris excels in identifying challenges and optimizing sales strategy. With a Bachelor's in Marketing from Temple University, he is dedicated to strategic initiatives that ensure success in beverage sales.
Tyla Jones-Champion
Education
B.A. Berkeley College, New York City, New York
My Story
Tyla Jones-Champion is a leader in experiential marketing and multicultural strategy. At Kurai Ventures she is Head of Multicultural Marketing where she creates impactful events and consumer activation initiatives for the entertainment and beverage alcohol industry. With a background at Poplife, Soho Experiential, and Madison Square Garden, Tyla excels in executing large-scale activations and innovative campaigns, connecting brands with diverse audiences through her creative approach and “Luxe Touch.”
Our Experience
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