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Distilled Spirits Council CEO to step down
The CEO and president of US trade body the Distilled Spirits Council, Kraig R Naasz, will leave the company after two-and-a-half years in the role.
CEO and president Kraig R Naasz will leave the Distilled Spirits Council at the end of June
Naasz will leave the Distilled Spirits Council at the end of June to rejoin his partners at issues management company Washington2 Advocates.
The council’s board is currently in the process of finding a replacement for Naasz, who joined the company in January 2016.
He joined the council after serving as chief executive of the American Frozen Food Institute, Fertilizer Institute, National Mining Association and US Apple Association.
“Leading the Distilled Spirits Council during this time of transition for the association and the distilled spirits sector has been one of the most gratifying professional experiences of my career,” said Naasz.
“It’s been an honour to represent many of the world’s most iconic beverage alcohol companies, while spearheading the Council’s Vision 2033 strategic modernisation effort to position the spirits sector for ongoing success in lead up to the 100-year anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition.”
Distilled Spirits Council chair, Jim Clerkin, president and CEO of Moët Hennessy North America, thanked Naasz for his time with the Council.
“The distilled spirits sector of the United States achieved both record sales and exports, while also capturing beverage alcohol market share for an eighth consecutive year,” commented Clerkin.
“Our sector’s growth has been facilitated, in part, by the tax victories, market access gains, export promotion, regulatory reforms and overall advancement of our public policy agenda supported by Kraig and the Council’s talented team.
“Kraig leaves the organisation in a very strong position, and he will move on with our deepest thanks and very best wishes for future success.”
In March this year, the Distilled Spirits Council unveiled a new logo, website and annual report featuring an updated look as part of a brand overhaul.