Former Bacardi chairman dies unexpectedly

Manuel Jorge Cutillas, former chairman of Bacardi, has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 81.

Manuel Jorge Cutillas, former CEO, chairman and president of Bacardi, has passed away

The first chairman of the group of Bacardi companies that later formed Bacardi Ltd in 1992, Cutillas was the great-great grandson of the company’s founder, Don Facundo Bacardi Massó.

A driving force behind the 1992 company formation, Cutillas worked to consolidate five strategic areas of the company (Bacardi International Limited, Bermuda; Bacardi & Company Limited, Bahamas; Bacardi Corporation, Puerto Rico; Bacardi Imports, Inc., United States; and Bacardi y Compañía S.A. de C.V., Mexico), into the world’s largest privately held spirits company.

In his 45-year career, Cutillas held a number of roles with Bacardi, including that of master blender.

He retired from the company as chairman in 2000, having led Bacardi Ltd as president and chief executive from 1992-1997.

Facundo L. Bacardi, chairman of Bacardi Ltd, said: “The Bacardi family and employees are deeply saddened at the passing of Manuel Jorge—one of the icons of our company. Manuel Jorge—through his drive and leadership—helped shape the global company that we have today.

“His pursuit of growth for the company took Bacardi from solely being a rum company to a diverse portfolio of premium brands which established us as a global player. His dedication to the dynamic Bacardi culture of passion, excellence and entrepreneurial spirit will be greatly missed.”

Cutillas is survived by his wife and son.