Robert Hanson is an Operating Partner at Butterfly, where he focuses on the beverage and beverage alcohol sectors. As Butterfly’s lead operating advisor on the recent take-private acquisition of the Duckhorn Portfolio, Robert played a pivotal role in shaping the investment thesis and go-forward value creation plan.
A seasoned business executive, Robert has built a distinguished career transforming and scaling high-profile consumer brands. His experience as a CEO, President, and Board Director spans strategic leadership, global operations, financial planning, M&A, and execution, consistently driving value creation and sustained growth.
Robert previously served as the Global Portfolio President of Wine and Spirits at Constellation Brands, following a six-year tenure as an Independent Director. During his time at Constellation, he contributed to the company's market capitalization growth by $28 billion, overseeing the transformation of the $2 billion portfolio into one of the world’s largest Premium & Luxury Still Wine collections, with an adjacent high-growth Craft Spirits business.
Before joining Constellation Brands, Robert was Chairman and CEO of John Hardy, the sustainable luxury jewelry brand backed by L Catterton. Under his leadership, the company achieved 28% revenue growth and navigated a successful recapitalization amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to John Hardy, he served as CEO of American Eagle Outfitters, where he transformed the business from a $3 billion mono-brand, mono-channel retailer into a multi-channel, technology-driven, global competitor, delivering $2 billion in capital returns to shareholders.
Earlier in his career, Robert spent 23 years at Levi Strauss & Co., holding a series of progressively senior roles including Global President. His background also includes early experiences in advertising and management consulting.
Robert previously served on the boards of Constellation Brands, Canopy Growth Corporation, and Urban Outfitters, where he has held various roles on the Audit, HR, and Governance Committees. A recognized leader in ESG, he has served on five non-profit boards, been named an Out 100 Global Executive, contributed to Time magazine, and delivered keynotes at several public and private forums.
