The longstanding MD of international operations for Tito’s Handmade Vodka, John McDonnell, is set to leave the business at the end of this year.
The Texas-based brand, which is owned by Fifth Generation, has been represented outside the US by McDonnell since 2013. Prior to joining Tito’s, the executive, who started in the beverage alcohol industry in 1983 with Seagram in Canada, spent eight-and-a-half years with Patron.
Lined up to replace him is Nick Cook (below), who has spent the last 17 years with Diageo.
Cook left the Smirnoff brand owner earlier this month. His final role – of six, which included almost four years as MD of Seychelles Breweries & the Indian Ocean markets – was global travel retail GM covering Europe and the Americas.
“I’ve long admired the brand and it’s an extremely exciting time to partner with such an incredible business whilst building on the amazing foundation from John and the team,” said Cook. “Tito’s is already established in many places around the world and I’m looking forward to drawing on my international experience to cement it as a truly global brand.”
McDonnell, who will be “shifting (his) focus to becoming a board member and advisor to help small start-ups”, will depart at the end of this year.
Earlier this week, Tito’s added another market to its presence in South America, preparing to hit Argentina while switching distribution partners in neighbouring Peru at the same time.
