Former Bacardi CEO Ruben Rodriguez dies

Ruben Rodriguez, the retired Bacardi chairman of the board and chief executive officer, passed away in Connecticut on 5 May aged 79.

In a statement, Facundo L. Bacardi, chairman of Bacardi Limited, described Rodriguez as “one of the icons of the company”. He worked at the firm for almost 20 years.

“Through his drive and desire to lead change, Ruben helped shape Bacardi into the international spirits player it is today,” said Bacardi.

“Ruben will be remembered for his love of and dedication to Bacardi as a company, brand, and family and will be greatly missed.”

Born in Havana, Cuba, Rodriguez attended high school in the city before studying a B.S. degree from the University of Houston and becoming both a certified public accountant, and certified internal auditor. Before joining Bacardi, he worked for Chesebrough-Pond’s, Inc. in Latin America, Europe, and the Far East and Bristol-Myers in Australia, Mexico, Brazil, and New Zealand.

Respected and admired for his management approach and relationship with Bacardi family shareholders, Rodriguez was appointed chairman of the board and CEO in 2000. He served as chairman for five years, and as chief executive between 2000 and 2003 and again between 2004 and 2005.

Before his appointment, Rodriguez held the post of chief financial officer for Bacardi from 1993 to 2000, and as director of audit and finance from 1989 to 1993.

Under his leadership, Bacardi Limited experienced strong growth in sales and earnings, strengthened its corporate governance, and oversaw the successful acquisition and integration of Grey Goose vodka and Cazadores 100% blue agave tequila into the Bacardi brand portfolio.

Rodriguez is survived by his wife, Grace Pujals, and two daughters. No cause of death has been disclosed.