US spirits business Hotaling & Co has unveiled Aaron Webb as its CEO following the pre-announced departure of Dan Leese.
In mid-January, the San Francisco-based distiller and importer confirmed that Leese would step down after just over five years at the helm. The move, lined up to take effect today (30 June), was followed last week by the appointment of Webb (below) as CEO from 14 July.
Leese will “remain with the company as an advisor to the board through March of 2026,” Hotaling said.
Webb’s beverage alcohol credentials date back to 2000, when he joined Brown-Forman as manager of corporate development. After 13 years in Louisville with the group, the last five of which were as VP of brand strategy for Jack Daniel’s plus El Jimador and Herradura tequilas, he headed to California to join Delicato Family Vineyards in 2013.
Following two years in Napa, Webb headed to Purple Brands (also in California), the owner of American whiskey brand Redwood Empire, rising to become CEO in 2016.
Just under two years ago, Hotaling launched its own tequila, Fiero, in the US; the spice-infused brand, available in Habanero and Serrano variants, is priced at US$29.99 per 75cl bottle.
