Title: 1) Chief Operating Officer; 2) Chief Executive Officer
Company: 1) Kintsugi Sake USA; 2) Embassy Beverage Consultancy
Location: Sunrise, Florida, United States
Peter James Iglesias, Chief Operating Officer at Kintsugi Sake USA and Chief Executive Officer at Embassy Beverage Consultancy, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in the Beverage Industry.
Mr. Iglesias has established a distinguished career spanning more than 25 years in the wine and spirits industry, marked by a consistent record of building organizations, developing brands and leading high-performing teams. Since 2024, he has served as the chief operating officer of Kintsugi Sake USA, where he also holds an equity stake. Recognizing favorable trends in the sake market, Mr. Iglesias and his partner launched the business to position sake as a refined alternative within the beverage category.
Under Mr. Iglesias’s leadership, Kintsugi Sake USA developed both a premium label, Kintsugi, and a mid-tier offering, Oishii. The company also entered the ready-to-drink segment with Oishii Spritz, featuring distinctive sake-based flavor profiles that align with the better-for-you movement by offering options with fewer than 100 calories per can. These products have resonated strongly with female consumers.
Within two years of its founding, Mr. Iglesias and his team introduced four brands and secured a significant distribution agreement with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, achieving national account placement in major retailers, such as Whole Foods Market, Total Wine & More and Safeway, a milestone typically requiring three to five years. Mr. Iglesias plans to leverage his expertise in the cordial sector to introduce what is expected to be the first sake-based cordial line, featuring innovative flavors.
In addition to his primary work at Kintsugi Sake USA, Mr. Iglesias serves as the chief executive officer of Embassy Beverage Consultancy, where he provides strategic guidance to beverage companies seeking growth and operational excellence. His ability to provide such guidance stems from his years in the industry and stellar reputation.
From 2022 to 2024, Mr. Iglesias was the chief executive officer of Bespoken Spirits, a San Francisco, California-based technology company pioneering rapid-aging technology for whiskey and bourbon. He led the relocation of the company to Lexington, Kentucky, built a distillery from inception and raised approximately $21 million in capital. Under Mr. Iglesias’s direction, Bespoken Spirits commercialized a proprietary process capable of replicating years of barrel aging in days, a breakthrough that garnered multiple industry awards. Notably, he spearheaded high-profile artist partnerships with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Whiskey Myers and hosted a grand opening event attended by thousands.
Earlier, Mr. Iglesias led Royal Dutch Distillers as its chief operating officer from 2018 to 2024 after two years serving as the company’s vice president of sales. In these capacities, he built and led the U.S. business, reporting directly to the global chief executive officer in the Netherlands. Mr. Iglesias drove significant brand growth by scaling ChocoVine from approximately 50,000 to more than 100,000 cases and expanding premium brands, such as Cherry Heering and Mandarine Napoléon, while establishing a robust national sales and marketing infrastructure.
Mr. Iglesias’s professional background also included roles at Disaronno and Illva Saronno SpA in the U.S. East Region, serving as the managing director from 2013 to 2016. He played a central role in transitioning Disaronno from agency representation under Bacardi USA to an independent import model by developing and executing an operating plan, building a team of nearly 50 professionals and establishing a dedicated distribution network for the iconic brand. Mr. Iglesias previously held the same title at Illva Saronno SpA between 2010 and 2013. Other opportunities included serving as a national sales manager at Angostura Limited from 2008 to 2010 and as the state manager for Flor de Caña between 2004 and 2008. Mr. Iglesias began his career as a sales consultant at Coastal Wine and Spirits.
Mr. Iglesias earned a Bachelor of Arts in sports administration from St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida, in 1995. His background as an athlete instilled in him enduring lessons in dedication and perseverance, shaping his disciplined work ethic and competitive disposition.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Iglesias is actively involved in civic organizations, including serving on the board of EVOS Men’s Ministries and Toast to Humanity International, as well as volunteering with his local church.
Mr. Iglesias extends his impact through various creative projects, such as hosting the YouTube podcast “Men on a Mission,” which addresses challenges facing men today across physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health domains. Since 2025, Mr. Iglesias has offered practical insights and tools to raise awareness, share stories and promote a supportive community, especially on urgent topics such as suicide prevention among men.
In recognition of his accomplishments, Mr. Iglesias has received accolades such as Top Dog and Top Salesman for nearly 12 consecutive months at NDC between 1999 and 2000. Throughout his professional journey, he has demonstrated exceptional expertise in leading and motivating individuals, as well as in developing culture, brands and companies, qualities that have defined his reputation within the industry. Mr. Iglesias attributes his success not only to these qualities but also to his steadfast commitment to exerting twice the effort required to achieve results, an approach that has fueled his sustained drive for excellence.
Looking ahead, Mr. Iglesias intends to create meaningful impact by mentoring others through his podcast and other platforms, such as his monthly men’s group, guiding individuals through personal and professional challenges while emphasizing purpose-driven living. He also plans to consult within his industry while focusing on teaching and empowering others through mentorship initiatives. Ultimately, Mr. Iglesias seeks to be remembered not only for his business acumen but also for bringing out the best in others, believing that how he made them feel will endure far longer than any financial achievement or professional accolade.
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