People

JOHN GLASER, the founder and whiskey maker of Compass Box, will step down from the Scotch whisky company after 23 years. Launched in 2000 by Glaser, the Scotch whisky blending house is known for its focus on “reinventing” the category. Glaser will depart from his executive role in May while... Read More

JEAN-ETIENNE GOURGUES, the chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, has been appointed as chair of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) council. Each chair is appointed for two years and heads the council, which comprises 16 representatives from SWA member companies. The council meets four times a year to support the... Read More

WILLIAM BROOKS has been appointed as Global Brand Ambassador for Tequila Herradura. Born in England with family ties to Mexico and the U.S., Brooks has called the spirits industry home since graduating from Johnson & Wales University. He’s worked with brands such as Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve in addition... Read More

DON FREYTAG has been named Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer. In his new position he will focus primarily on developing the Kurvball Flavored Whiskey brand. Freytag was previously Commercial Director, Strategic Advisor and a board member of Rabbit Hole Distillery. He was also responsible for creating the Mary Dowling Whiskey... Read More

TIMOTHY BASHAM has been appointed to the newly created position of Vice President of US Sales. In this role, Basham will be responsible for spearheading a number of initiatives including the company’s commercial, distribution, and sales strategy development, as well as brand marketing and market activations. Prior to joining Phenomenal... Read More

The USBG has elected INGRID SHAWN RODRIGUEZ as the next President of the Guild. T. COLE NEWTON, JOSEPH FREDRICKSON and JESSICA TAYLOR have all been elected to officer positions to round out the board. Based in St. Petersburg, Rodriguez is the U.S. Educator and Florida Area Manager for WhistlePig Whiskey.... Read More

Legendary wine, spirits and food critic Anthony Dias Blue passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, December 25th. His love affair with wine began in 1978 when he moved his family to San Francisco. He would go on to be the founder and Executive Director of The Tasting... Read More

Mark de Witte will retire as CEO of De Kuyper Royal Distillers in April when Heineken veteran LEO EVERS will take over the position on May 1. During De Witte’s nine-year tenure as CEO the Dutch distiller nearly tripled its turnover. Dutch national Evers started his career at Bols International... Read More

JAMEY MARTIN has joined the drinks group as its chief diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) officer. In her new role, Martin will look to make an impact across the company’s three-pillar DEI strategy of workplace, workforce, and marketplace. She joins Beam Suntory following a 15-year career at Mondelēz International, serving... Read More

OMAR PERCICH is being promoted from CFO to Chief Operating Officer. He is taking over the position from current COO, TOM HAWKINS, who is retiring after 1O years with the company. Prior to his tenure with Don Sebastiani & Sons, Tom was with Beam Global Spirits & Wine for over... Read More