Deal maker Townsend Ziebold has joined Arlington Capital Advisors as of July 1. Ziebold announced the move to business contacts, and Arlington leaders confirmed.
“After five years of leading the beverage-alcohol practice at TD Cowen, I decided to join Arlington Capital, who I have known, respected and competed against for years,” Ziebold said in a statement. “I am looking forward to helping them continue their momentum as the premier beverage advisory firm in the industry.”
Arlington has built a reputation as the top M&A advisory firm in the bev-alc space. Earlier this year, the firm served as the advisor on the sale of BuzzBallz and other Southern Champion brands to spirits giant Sazerac. The move also reunites Ziebold with several members of the First Beverage team, including J.B. Shireman, who noted that the duo completed around 20 beverage deals at the firm.
“We always say that ‘it’s a small world in beverage’ and I am stoked to be back on the same team with Townsend after all these years. He is whip-smart and holds exceptional integrity as well as insights across the total beverage space, not just bev-alc,” Shireman said. “I am confident he will be a strong addition to our already exceptional line up.”
Arlington Capital Advisors founder and managing director Vann Russell added: “Townsend is one of the most respected voices in beverage M&A and has been a great competitor and friend of the firm and our leaders for many years. We are excited to add his leadership in total beverage and cannabis to our team and look forward to an epic future together!”
Ziebold’s career has included stints as managing partner at First Beverage and managing director at both Cascadia and TD Cowen. He also worked as president of Wasserstein & Co. and managing director at Wasserstein Perella.