Gigi DaDan becomes Kentucky Distillers’ Association chair
The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) has appointed Gigi DaDan as chair of its board of directors, replacing Ken Lewis.
DaDan is the general manager of Louisville Distilling Co, which owns Angel’s Envy, and D’Ussé Cognac.
She succeeds Ken Lewis, founder of New Riff Distilling, as KDA chair and will serve until December.
“As I take on the role of chair, I’m deeply grateful for the leaders who have poured their wisdom, passion, and innovation into the Bourbon industry,” said DaDan.
“Helping create thousands of memorable Bourbon experiences has been one of the greatest privileges of my career, and stepping into this position feels both humbling and energising. I’m honoured to carry forward the legacy of America’s spirit and help build momentum for its rich, storied tradition as we grow stronger together.”
DaDan’s career spans more than 20 years in drinks marketing, beginning with key roles at Procter & Gamble and Pepsi Co. She later became global marketing director for Beam Global Spirits and vice president for global Maker’s Mark.
She has been on the KDA board since January 2022, serving as vice chair in 2025.
KDA president Eric Gregory, who is entering his 19th year leading the group, said: “Now more than ever, our homegrown industry must rely on the unity, history and camaraderie that have built Kentucky Bourbon into an economic and tourism powerhouse. Our industry is resilient, and our heritage is priceless and unique.
“It’s an honour to work alongside Gigi, our board and our 125 member distilleries and partners who understand that we are stronger by working together. Our shared vision and passion for Kentucky Bourbon will continue to pave the way for success.”
Joining the board alongside DaDan are David Salmon, founder of Jackson Purchase Distillery, as vice chair; Chris Morris, Brown-Forman master distiller emeritus, as treasurer; and Kaveh Zamanian, founder of Rabbit Hole and Mary Dowling Whiskey.
Other board officers include Lewis as immediate past chair; Wally Dant, president and distiller of Log Still Distillery, who represents ‘Proof’ level members; and Tom Bard, co-founder and CEO of The Bard Distillery, who represents ‘Craft’ level members.
New board members for 2026 include:
- Marco Barassi, government relations and sustainability director, Campari Group
- Will Arvin, co-founder and owner, Castle & Key Distillery
- Antoine Smith, vice president of distillation and maturation North America, Diageo North America
- Ryan Ashley, chief operating officer, Four Roses Distillery
- Robert G. Downing III, assistant general counsel, Heaven Hill Distilleries
- Mark Erwin, chief executive officer, Lofted Spirits
- Landon Foster, director – visitor experiences, Lux Row Distillers
- Andrea Wilson, chief operating officer and master of maturation, Michter’s Distillery
- Mollie Lewis, president, New Riff Distilling
- Crady deGolian, director, public affairs, Suntory Global Spirits
- David Mandell, co-founder and chief executive officer, Whiskey House of Kentucky
- Tyler Harris, president, White Dog Trading & Storage
- Britt Kulsveen, president, Willett Distillery
The KDA owns and operates the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which received 2.7 million visitors in 2024.
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