Claudia Schubert Joins Pollen Projects as Board Chair

The former Diageo North America president will lead the venture studio's upcoming expansion into the United States.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People

Claudia Schubert Joins Pollen Projects as Board Chair

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Claudia Schubert has been named the new board chair of Pollen Projects, a London-based venture studio behind the Sylva Orchard brand. Her appointment focuses on accelerating the company's growth within the U.S. market.

Why it matters

Schubert brings extensive industry expertise to guide the development of a new maturation lab for the brand in Upstate New York. Her leadership role will directly support Pollen Projects' strategic entry into the American spirits sector.

Claudia Schubert brings 25 years of experience in the global drinks industry to her new role, following a 22-year tenure at Diageo. Her expertise is expected to steer the expansion of the Sylva Orchard brand in the United States.

The players

Claudia Schubert

She is the former president of Diageo North America who now serves as board chair for Pollen Projects.

Pollen Projects

This London-based venture studio acts as the developer and parent entity for the Sylva Orchard brand.

The details

As the new board chair, Schubert will oversee the expansion plans for Pollen Projects, which include establishing a secondary maturation facility in Upstate New York. Schubert currently serves as a non-executive director at Vinarchy and a senior advisor to Boston Consulting Group.

Claudia Schubert left her position at Diageo in 2024.
Pollen Projects launched the Sylva Orchard brand in late 2025.
The appointment of Claudia Schubert was announced on October 21, 2026.

Market Landscape

This move signals a strategic shift as international venture studios prioritize the localization of high-end spirits production to gain market share in the U.S. The appointment of a seasoned executive like Schubert positions Pollen Projects to aggressively compete with established domestic and international spirits conglomerates.

Consumers in the region may see increased availability of Sylva Orchard products as the company builds out its local infrastructure. The brand expansion represents a shift toward more regionally produced craft spirits, potentially impacting local retail shelf space and distribution.

The takeaway

The addition of a veteran executive to the board highlights the maturation of venture-backed spirits brands as they scale toward national distribution. Readers interested in business growth should watch for how regional manufacturing hubs influence the availability of niche consumer brands.