Former Deep Eddy president joins Ranch Rider Spirits

Hard seltzer maker Ranch Rider Spirits has appointed former Deep Eddy Vodka president John Scarborough as its new CEO.

Scarborough was appointed president of Deep Eddy vodka in 2016, having worked for the Austin-based brand since near the beginning of its inception.

In 2011, he worked as chief financial officer for the vodka maker and was tasked with leading the company’s operations, financial management and planning functions.

Before joining Deep Eddy, Scarborough worked in roles including financial and operations leadership positions in publishing, telecoms and e-commerce.

Scarborough said: “Ranch Rider is a standout product in the RTD [ready-to-drink] market, and I am excited to be joining this fantastic team ready to execute a vision for growth that’s as strong as the brand.

“As a brand born in Austin, Texas, Ranch Rider Spirits is inspired by what makes our community so great – hard work, an appreciation for quality, and the joy of sharing what you love with the people you care about.”

Scarborough will focus on helping Ranch Rider grow in Texas and expand in other US markets.

His appointment also coincides with Ranch Rider’s expansion with the Republic National Distributing Company across eight new markets, including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Georgia and Florida.

Brian Murphy, co-founder of Ranch Rider Spirits, said: “What we love about John and the model he implemented at Deep Eddy is that as they grew, they gave back to each and every community they entered.

“Just last month, during the Texas winter storms, we partnered with Texas icon Leon Bridges and matched donations to Austin Mutual Aid and Dallas Mutual Aid, raising over US$57,000 for Texans in need. We plan on supporting our communities all year.”