The founder of the Ghost spiced tequila brand has stepped aside, promoting the company’s COO to the level of CEO.
Entrepreneur David Gordon, who set up the US-based company in 2016, has handed the reins to Ryan Wilson (below). The new CEO joined Ghost as CFO in 2023 before moving to head up operations in September 2024.
Gordon had returned to the helm two years ago following the departure of Jeff Popkin after 18 months in post.
Wilson spent a decade at Diageo, from early 2007 to the end of 2016, most of which in Canada. He rose to become business performance director in 2014 before leaving to join the US division of Mast-Jägermeister for three and a half years.
“Ryan has been an invaluable leader for Ghost Tequila over the past three years, playing a key role in strengthening our business and positioning the brand for long-term success,” said company chair John McDonnell.
“As we continue to grow our presence in the US and expand into new international markets, Ryan is exactly the kind of leader we need to guide this company through its next phase of growth.”
Elsewhere in the tequila category today, the founders of now-AB InBev’s Nütrl RTD brand announced a “significant strategic investment” in the Los Sundays brand.
