Cygnet Gin becomes the exclusive Gin Partner of SXSW London & recruits new MD

Cygnet, the gin founded by best-selling classical artist Katherine Jenkins OBE and artist and social-impact filmmaker Andrew Levitas has been unveiled as the exclusive gin sponsor of the festival’s much-anticipated UK debut, running from 2–7 June 2025 across Shoreditch, East London.

Cygnet represents a meeting of art, craft and purpose. Their shared vision, to redefine the gin experience, aligns seamlessly with SXSW’s mission to champion bold ideas, cultural conversation and boundary-pushing creativity.

This prestigious partnership will see Cygnet’s award-winning serves available at key venues including Shoreditch Electric, Shoreditch Town Hall, Shoreditch Church, and Truman Brewery, setting the tone for a week where innovation meets indulgence.

In the heart of the Shoreditch Electric Courtyard, the Cygnet activation will invite festival-goers to experience the Cygnet 2 Sip Martini, a refined, small-format serve that distils luxury into a moment to sip and savour.

Whilst there, guests will also have the exclusive opportunity to purchase a limited-edition, personalised SXSW decanter of Cygnet 22, a beautifully crafted memento of SXSW London landmark launch.

As SXSW London welcomes a global cast of creative visionaries Cygnet Gin will be toasting to progress, artistry, and the enduring power of craftsmanship and creativity. As the exclusive gin sponsor Cygnet will also be crafting cocktails during Protein Studios’ private viewings, where some of the festival’s most intimate and influential gatherings will pair cutting-edge art with exquisite martinis.

Cygnet are also proud to announce the appointment of Vedran Milosevic as its new Global Managing Director, effective June 1, 2025.

Cygnet Appoints Vedran Milosevic as Global Managing Director

Former Diageo Global Commercial Director for Luxury to Join from June 1st.

Vedran joins Cygnet following a distinguished career at Diageo, where he last served as Global Commercial Director for Luxury, leading the company’s ultra-premium portfolio across key global markets. With over 20 years of experience in the luxury beverage and hospitality sectors, Vedran brings deep commercial acumen, strategic insight, and a passion for luxury execution and building culturally resonant brands.

“We are thrilled to welcome Vedran to our Cygnet family.” said Matteo Fantacchiotti, Chairman of Cygnet.

“As we prepare for our next stage of growth, particularly in the UK and USA, and strategically seed our presence in global luxury cities, knowing Vedran since many years I am very confident his leadership, global mindset, and luxury expertise will be instrumental in accelerating our vision and implementation of our plans.”

“This is a truly exciting time to be joining Cygnet,” said Vedran Milosevic. “The brand is bold, modern, and beautifully crafted, positioned perfectly for a new generation of luxury consumers. I’m looking forward to leading the exceptional team at Cygnet to drive ambitious growth across the world’s most influential cities.”

After Matteo Fantacchiotti joining the founders Katherine Jenkins and Andrew Levitas as a partner and chairman of the board, Cygnet’s appointment of Vedran Milosevic marks a significant milestone in the brand evolution kicking of a new journey of growth and bold ambition. He is also joined by Gabriele Sasnauskaite, former Assistant Global Brand Manager for No.3 Gin.