PARK CITY, Utah, October 28, 2015 – High West Distillery, Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870, announces the appointment of two distinguished industry veterans to their leadership team. John Esposito is High West’s new Chief Commercial Officer, and Gerry Ruvo, Chairman of Campari America, joins as the newest member of the High West Board of Managers.
“With their significant leadership experience in the beverage alcohol industry, both John and Gerry are invaluable additions to the High West team. Moreover, both have been involved with some of the greatest brands in beverage alcohol,” said High West founder and proprietor David Perkins. “They bring deep acumen to High West during this exciting growth period. We welcome them both.
John Esposito has been on the High West Board of Managers since 2012 and brings 40 years of leadership experience in all three tiers of the distilled spirits industry to the role of High West Chief Commercial Officer. Esposito remains the chairman of Stoli Group USA's advisory board, and has also served as President, Stoli Group USA; CEO, Bacardi North America; president and CEO of Schieffelin & Somerset and then Moet Hennessy USA; as well as president of one of the largest distributors in the country, Premier Beverage of Florida. High West sales, marketing and operations functions will report to Esposito.
Gerry Ruvo, currently Chairman of Campari America, will become the newest member of the High West Board of Managers. Ruvo is also a special advisor to Gruppo Campari’s Board in Milan and serves as the chairman of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS). Under Ruvo’s leadership, SKYY Vodka became the leading domestic super-premium vodka in the United States.
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About High West Distillery
Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870, High West's passion is crafting delicious whiskeys and marrying them with outstanding food. High West offers an outstanding collection of highly rated whiskeys, all available in the High West General Store seven days a week and holidays as well as at finer liquor stores, bars and restaurants in 42 states throughout the U.S. and internationally.
High West has three must-visit locations. The High West Saloon in historic Old Town Park City is the world’s only ski-in gastro distillery that was voted “Best Park City Restaurant” the last three years by readers of City Weekly. It has received multiple accolades including nominations for Best Bar and Best Chef Southwest by the James Beard Foundation, and a top 10 ranking on The Daily Meal’s list of 150 Best Bars in America.
The High West Saloon in Terminal E at Salt Lake International Airport offers the best food and drinks in any airport west of the Mississippi.
Finally, High West Distillery on Blue Sky Ranch in Wanship, Utah is a 30,000 square foot world-class western whiskey distillery. It has educational tours and a visitor center featuring High West’s unique country-western cuisine. Blue Sky is an historic working cattle ranch and soon-to-be luxury guest ranch with a wellness center and state of the art conference and event centers. Both Blue Sky and High West aim to build a landmark Western destination and resort offering an authentic and premium western experience. For more information and where to buy High West products near you, visit highwest.com.
