Tennessee’s Company Distilling names CEO
Jeff Arnett’s Tennessee whiskey business, Company Distilling, has promoted Cassie Halley to the role of CEO.
Halley joined Company Distilling in February 2025 as its directing of marketing and retail operations. She officially stepped into the CEO role this month.
In her new role, Halley will work closely with Arnett, founder and master distiller at Company Distilling.
“Cassie brings a rare combination of operational discipline, creativity, and a genuine love for this industry,” said Arnett. “She understands how to build a brand that lasts, and she leads with the kind of clarity and respect that brings out the best in people.”
Arnett left his role as master distiller of Tennessee whiskey brand Jack Daniel’s in 2020 to launch Company Distilling a year later. He joined forces with Kris Tatum, former president of the Tennessee Distillers Guild; Heath Clark, founder of Tennessee-based H Clark Distillery; construction management professional Corey Clayton; and Clayton Homes CEO Kevin Clayton, on the US$20 million project.
The business operates three distilleries in Tennessee, including one in Lynchburg.
Prior to Company Distilling, Halley served as chief marketing officer and chief operating officer during her six-year stint at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in East Tennessee.
Halley brings a mix of agency marketing, brand strategy and hospitality leadership experience to the new position.
Company Distilling highlighted Halley’s interest in developing distilleries as community anchors, how experiential travel shapes whiskey tourism, and how craft brands can meet demand for consumers who “increasingly care about the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind what they drink”.
Halley added: “Company Distilling was founded on the belief that great spirits bring people together. I’m honoured to help lead us into this next chapter and build on the foundation that’s already been laid.”
Since its launch, Company Distilling has expanded its distribution footprint across Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
In addition to whiskey, Company Distilling also produces gin, vodka, flavoured spirits and beer.
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