Heaven Hill Brands, which remains independently and family-owned, has announced the succession of its third generation of family leadership.

This includes the appointment of Kate Latts and Allan Latts as co-presidents, effective Sept. 1.

Current President Max L. Shapira will assume the new role of executive chairman.

Kate and Allan originally joined the company in 2001. In their new roles as co-presidents, they will continue to pursue Heaven Hill’s strategic growth plans and corporate vision, the company says, working collaboratively on all key decisions.

Max will transition day-to-day operational oversight of the business to Kate and Allan.

“Over the past twenty years, I have been proud to watch Kate and Allan grow and develop into roles of leadership and increased responsibility,” Max says. “They have added immeasurably to the company’s successes and built a foundation for future generations. They bring the passion for this business that has been a hallmark of our company for 85 plus years. I am highly confident the best is yet to come.”

Max joined the family enterprise in 1970 after a stint on Wall Street. He had the opportunity to work alongside his father, Ed Shapira, ultimately succeeding him in leadership of the company in 1986.

Under Max’s stewardship, Heaven Hill developed into a global company with a popular portfolio of brands across a broad range of product categories. Today, Heaven Hill is one of the industry’s largest and most successful companies.

In his new role of executive chairman, Max will provide partnership and counsel on the strategic direction of the business. He will also actively leverage his extensive relationships and industry experience in support of the company’s long-term growth goals.

Kate, Max’s daughter, and her husband, Allan, joined Heaven Hill more than two decades ago. After completing their undergraduate and MBA degrees at Duke University, Kate and Allan joined Procter & Gamble with careers in marketing and finance, respectively.

Today, Kate leads the Heaven Hills marketing and brand management functions as chief marketing officer. Allan serves as chief operating officer, overseeing operations, the company’s corporate functions, strategy and the newly acquired Samson & Surrey division.

“Allan and I are proud to assume the leadership of Heaven Hill with full knowledge of our generational responsibility,” says Kate. “My dad, grandfather and his brothers built a company with an enduring legacy of family and independence that is increasingly unique in distilled spirits.”

“With the support of our incredible team, we are as committed as ever to preserving those qualities and ensuring our success for generations to come,” she adds

Heaven Hill will immediately begin its search to identify a new chief marketing officer. The chief operating officer position will not be backfilled.

This follows recent news of Heaven Hill announcing plans for a new $135M distillery in Bardstown.