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John McDonnell: Leaves Patrón Spirits to pursue other ventures |
John McDonnell, the highly respected Chief Operating Officer and President, International at Patrón Spirits, has stepped down from his role with immediate effect. He is leaving to pursue other opportunities, said the company. McDonnell was a key figure in the emergence of Patrón as a leading international super-premium tequila, and was highly influential in the group’s rapid rise as a brand in travel retail.
His replacement is Dave Wilson, who joins from 10 June. Reporting to President and Chief Executive Officer Ed Brown, Wilson will be responsible for the day-to-day worldwide operations and management of the company.
Company spokesman Greg Cohen told The Moodie Report: “We’re excited to announce that Dave Wilson will be joining the Patrón family as President of our international operations, and Global COO. At the same time, we’re sad to announce that John McDonnell has decided to leave to pursue other entrepreneurial interests. John has been at the forefront of building our company and brands in the travel retail channel, and we know he will be greatly missed.”
Wilson joins Patrón Spirits from Brandmuscle (Centiv) where for the past seven years he has served as President of the company’s beverage alcohol group.
He began his 33-year career in the spirits industry at Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, where he held various positions in production, finance, and sales and marketing management. After Seagram, Wilson spent nine years in executive roles at National Wine and Spirits, and at Southern Wine & Spirits.
“Dave’s tremendous experience and leadership will help us grow the future of this company and our brands, and I’m thrilled that he is joining our team,” said Ed Brown. “On a personal note, I’ve been very fortunate to work with Dave in the past, and I’m excited that our paths cross once again.”
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Dave Wilson: Takes on a senior role at the fast-growing spirits company |
Wilson said: “I am sincerely honoured to be joining Patrón Spirits, and I appreciate the opportunity, challenge, and confidence that Ed Brown has presented. I am excited to get started, and to meet with our employees and partners throughout the world. This is a great company and I am proud to be associated with this management team, and representing these iconic brands.”
Dermot Davitt writes: Boston native McDonnell has made a big impact at Patrón since joining the company in 2005. He oversaw Patrón’s expansion (including in duty free) to over 140 countries worldwide, he oversaw manufacturing, sales and marketing and was a major driver behind the group’s strong social media push.
In 2013, McDonnell relocated to Switzerland to take on the added role of President of Patrón’s international operations, monitoring and managing the company’s day-to-day activities in the US and abroad. He also helped steer the company’s acquisition of ultra-premium Ultimat vodka.
He was a well-known and highly visible figure in the travel retail industry – and a strong advocate of the channel’s status as a brand-building platform.
More than that, McDonnell has been a strong supporter of numerous philanthropic and charitable organisations. The company has helped to make a difference on issues ranging from children’s health, hunger and clean water, to the rebuilding of New Orleans. He has also contributed time and energy to civic and educational causes in Boston.
Patrón has been a strong supporter of many of The Moodie Report’s charitable initiatives, with McDonnell a key influence. We thank him for his support, and wish him well in his future ventures.
