Steve Ousley - CCO

I am a growth-focused, purpose-driven CCO, with over 25 years of experience building businesses across various industries, geographies, and business models. My leadership style is visionary, driven by a deep passion for excellence, and has been key in implementing effective strategies that optimize organizational performance and drive sustainable growth. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to lead companies through critical phases, from startup to exit, by focusing on innovation, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. Previously, I was a founding partner at High Basin Growth Partners (HBGP), an executive advisory firm specializing in premium alcohol brands. In this role, I worked closely with both emerging and established brands to develop growth strategies and enhance performance in a competitive marketplace. Before that, I was a founding partner and COO of On the Rocks Cocktails, where I helped scale the company to global success. Under my leadership, On the Rocks became a recognized leader in the industry and was ultimately acquired by Beam Suntory in 2020, one of the largest transactions in the Beverage Alcohol space at the time. Over the course of my career, I’ve led more than six companies from startup to exit, with a combined transactional value exceeding $200 million. My diverse background has provided me with the expertise to navigate complex business challenges, and I am proud to have built a reputation as a results-driven leader. I’m passionate about building strong teams and fostering a culture of innovation, which has played a crucial role in the long-term success of the organizations I’ve been a part of. I remain committed to helping businesses unlock their full potential by leveraging my experience to guide them through growth and change.