McDonnell quits Patrón

John McDonnell, COO and President of Patrón Spirits, has left the company after eight years to pursue “entrepreneurial” opportunities within the drinks industry.

John McDonnell, outgoing Patrón Spirits COO & President

Having joined the company in 2005, McDonnell guided Patrón into a pioneering role within the premium Tequila category, increasing sales by over 500% during his first four years with the brand.

Only this year he was promoted to the new position of President International which brought the additional remit of driving the company’s global growth. Today Patrón’s ultra-premium portfolio, which also features Pyrat rum and Ultimat vodka, is available in more than 140 countries.

Earlier this month the company launched its first extra añejo Tequila, Gran Patrón Piedra, into the travel retail sector with a price tag of nearly $400.

Patrón Spirits has confirmed McDonnell’s replacement, appointing Dave Wilson to the role of

Dave Wilson, Patrón Spirits’ new COO & President International

President International and global chief operating officer from 10 June.

Wilson is the former President of marketing firm Brandmuscle, which last year became a subsidiary of Chicago-based technology firm Centiv. For the past seven years he has headed the company’s beverage alcohol group.

With a career that has so far spanned 33 years in the spirits industry, Wilson started his career at Joseph E Seagram & Sons, where he held roles within the production, finance, sales and marketing teams. He then spent nine years in executive roles at both National Wine & Spirits and Southern Wine & Spirits.

His new role with Patrón will see Wilson take charge of day to day worldwide operations and management of the company, reporting to CEO and President Ed Brown.

Welcoming him to the company, Brown said: “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.”

“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!”

Describing himself as “sincerely honoured” to be joining Patrón, Wilson remarked: “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.”