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Ben Kelly

Chief Executive Officer

Profile Summary


Ben Kelly is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Somage, located in Collingwood, Victoria, Australia. Ben is responsible for managing the strategic direction of the company and plays a pivotal role in new product development. He is based in Collingwood and has over 500 connections on LinkedIn.

Professional Experience


  • Chief Executive Officer at Somage

Tenure: Approximately 3 years and 4 months (1218 days as of last data point)
Responsibilities:
  • Strategic management

  • New product development

  • Overseeing the company's operations both in Australia and the USA

  • Hiring and expanding the talent pool, especially in the production and compliance sectors


  • Previous Roles: Specific details on previous roles are not extensively provided in the gathered data.


Educational Background


Ben Kelly has an educational background in graphic design, having completed studies from 1998 to 2003. The institution attended, however, is not specified in the data.

Company Overview - Somage


  • Inception: Founded in 2007 on a Melbourne terrace

  • Specialization: Beverages, particularly focusing on organic tea, herbs, and spices

  • Factory: Locations in Cheltenham, Australia, known for meticulous handling and transformation of ingredients using techniques such as milling, extraction, blending, and distillation.

  • Market: Provides a comprehensive beverage solution primarily for the hospitality industry and supports some of the world's leading restaurants, cafes, and boutique hotels.


Key Personnel at Somage


  • Alix Bethebeze: Chief Operating Officer, specializing in spices

  • Michael Nguyen: Global Office Manager

  • YY: Head of Creative

  • Tim Holdsworth: Senior Vice President for The Americas, based in Brooklyn, New York

  • Gary Thomas: Production Manager


Noteworthy Activities and Updates


  • New Product Launches: Ben has been actively engaged in the launch of new brands and capabilities, referencing a laborious project over the past 8 months.

  • Hiring Initiatives: Frequent posts about hiring, indicating expansion in areas like production and compliance managers (notably in Cheltenham).

  • Operational Enhancements: Introduction of a new bottling line at the Cheltenham factory to enhance operational efficiency.

  • Transparency and Growth: Emphasis on long-term partnerships and contributions to wholesale partners in both the USA and Australia.


Social Media and Communication


  • LinkedIn Activity:

  • Regular updates on company growth, new hires, and operational improvements

  • Posts indicate proactive efforts in both employee engagement and product enhancements.


  • Other Social Media: Active on platforms like Instagram, focusing on small business acquisitions and business scaling.


Important Links





Conclusion


Ben Kelly’s role as CEO at Somage places him at the forefront of strategic decision-making and product innovation. He is a key figure in growing Somage’s presence in both local and international markets, particularly in the hospitality sector. His proactive hiring and operational strategies indicate robust company growth and readiness for further business opportunities.