This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
Eastside Distilling CEO resigns
Paul Block, the chief executive officer of Portland-based Eastside Distilling, has resigned after 18 months in the role.
Block took over from Lawrence Firestone as CEO in April 2020. Firestone had joined Eastside Distilling in November 2019, and spent eight months in the role.
With Block’s resignation, Geoffrey Gwin has been named as the interim CEO, and Elizabeth Levy-Navarro will become chairman of the board.
“We thank Paul for the passion and commitment he has brought to Eastside Distilling,” said Levy-Navarro. “We are moving ahead, supporting the executive team during a transformational year for the company. The team made great strides in transforming the company over the past year and we expect more progress this year.”
Block joined Eastside Distilling in 2020 as chairman after holding a number of positions at Miller Brewing Company. He also worked for the Guinness Import Company as vice-president of marketing and served as chief marketing officer, and then vice-president, general manager, of Allied Domecq’s premium US spirits division.
Amy Lancer has also been promoted to the role of chief commercial officer of spirits.
Lancer joined the firm last year as vice-president of financial planning and analysis, and brings more than two decades of experience, having worked for Heineken, Bacardi, Diageo, and Pernod Ricard USA.
Gwin commented: “I am excited to be working with seasoned spirits executives such as Amy Lancer and congratulate her on her new role.”
Last year, the distillery revealed a sales rise of 21.2% in 2020, bolstered by triple-digit Tequila growth and demand for its canning services.
Related news
Will Meredith to helm new London bar Sprout