Real McCoy Spirits, makers of Real McCoy rum, has announced the appointment of industry veteran John Esposito as the company’s new chairman.

John Esposito

Esposito brings 40 years of leadership experience in all three tiers of the distilled spirits industry, the company says. Esposito has served as CEO, High West Distillery; president, Stoli Group USA; CEO, Bacardi North America; president and CEO of Schieffelin & Somerset and Moet Hennessy USA; as well as president of one of the largest distributors in the country, Premier Beverage of Florida.

“With his significant leadership experience in the beverage alcohol industry, John is an invaluable addition to the Real McCoy team. He’s been involved with some of the greatest brands in beverage alcohol,” said Bailey Pryor, Real McCoy Spirits founder and CEO, in a press release. “We are delighted to be working with John during this exciting period of growth.”

In his role as chairman, Esposito is responsible for helping to build strategic relationships, find talented people to join the Real McCoy team and assist with sales and marketing advice, the company says.

“I’m energized by the new wave of authentic brands created by unconventional leaps like Bailey’s,” said Esposito. “He and the team’s passion for crafting a high-quality, ethically-made product is right on trend with the contemporary consumer’s needs.”

The line of Real McCoy rums is available in NY, IL, CA, CT, MA, NJ, FL, WI, GA, CO, TX and RI.