Ghost Tequila names Ryan Wilson CEO
Former Diageo executive Ryan Wilson has been promoted to the CEO position at US-based Ghost Tequila.
Wilson joined the Boston-based business as chief financial officer in 2023 before taking on the role of chief operating officer.
He takes over the CEO role from David Gordon, who co-founded the brand alongside Chris Morgan in 2016.
Prior to Gordon, the CEO position was filled by former Mast-Jägermeister US chief executive Jeff Popkin, who joined Ghost Tequila in 2023.
Like Popkin, Wilson also joined Ghost Tequila from Mast-Jägermeister, where he was the vice-president of finance and operations.
During his time at Jägermeister’s parent firm, Wilson was described as a key figure who helped secure the company’s joint venture with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s Teremana Tequila.
“Great brands are built by great people, and Ryan has been an invaluable leader for Ghost Tequila over the past three years, playing a key role in strengthening our business and positioning the brand for long-term success,” said John McDonnell, who joined the brand as executive chairman of the board in January 2026.
Wilson also spent 10 years at Captain Morgan owner Diageo in various leadership roles, where he helped lead the development of the company’s rum distillery in St Croix.
Wilson called Ghost Tequila an “innovative spicy spirit that stands apart in the Tequila category”.
He added: “I’m honoured to lead this exceptional team as we continue to grow awareness and expand the global distribution of this unique spirit.”
Ghost Tequila is available in all 50 US states, as well as markets in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia Pacific.
It claims to have seen ‘consistent’ growth each year since it was founded a decade ago.
McDonnell commented: “As we continue to grow our presence in the US and expand into new international markets, Ryan is exactly the kind of leader we need to guide this company through its next phase of growth.”
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