Kōloa CEO Bob Gunter steps down
The president and CEO of Kōloa Rum, Bob Gunter, has stepped down after 18 years with the Hawaii-based brand, effective immediately.
Gunter joined Kōloa Rum as chief operating officer (COO) in 2008.
The distillery started producing rum on Kauai a year later, becoming its first licensed distillery on the island since Prohibition.
Gunter then became president and chief executive officer in 2010.
He said: “Having the opportunity to lead Kōloa Rum has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life.
“When I joined this company, our hope was simple: to craft a rum that truly reflects Kaua‘i – its people, its history, and the ‘spirit of aloha’ that makes this place unlike anywhere else.
“What we’ve built together over the years is something I’m incredibly proud of, and that credit goes to our hardworking team who show up every day with passion and respect for the craft.”
Following Gunter’s departure, the brand’s chief commercial officer (CCO) Robert Ramer has been promoted to COO to oversee the company’s day-to-day operations and lead its continued growth and expansion.
Ramer had held the CCO role since July 2025, overseeing Kōloa’s sales, trade marketing and channel strategy across both domestic and international markets, which the company believes makes him an ‘essential driver of Kōloa Rum’s growth’.
He started at the company as an operations intern in 2011 and returned in 2019 to serve as director of mainland and EU business development.
He said: “I’ve grown with this team and seen the resilience and pride that define our work. This is a continuation of our shared journey, and I’m honoured to help lead it to the next chapter.
“We have a strong foundation, and now we have the opportunity to shape what Kōloa Rum becomes in the years ahead.”
Gunter added: “As I step into this next phase, I’m grateful for every person who has supported us along the way. I’m especially proud to hand the reins to Robert, and I’m confident he will honour our roots while guiding Kōloa Rum into a bright and exciting future.”
Kōloa Rum is currently available in 38 US states and in international markets.
The brand’s portfolio includes Kaua‘i White, Gold, Dark, Spice, Coconut, Cacao, Coffee, Cane Fire, and aged rums.
The rums are produced with local cane sugar and rainwater from Mount Waiʻaleʻale.
Gunter to continue in alcohol industry
As Kōloa’s operations leader, Gunter was a driving force for the brand’s sustainability and social causes.
His wider presence in the local community saw him engage in roles with the Hawaii Employers Council Board of Governors, the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers Association’s Industry Access Council, and the Distilled Spirits Council of the US’ State Governmental Relations Committee.
Addressing his departure on LinkedIn, he said the decision to step down came with “mixed emotions”.
“Over the past 18 years, we have achieved remarkable growth, showcasing the talent, expertise, and dedication of our team,” he said.
“Together, we transformed a dream into reality, starting as Kauai island’s first legal distillery since Prohibition, opening Hawaii’s first distilled spirits tasting room, and developing the exceptional portfolio of locally produced rum and ready-to-drink cocktails that Koloa Rum is known for today.
“The Koloa Rum brand has expanded significantly within and beyond Hawaii, with sales and distribution now reaching 38 mainland states, the District of Columbia, and internationally to Canada, Japan, and Europe. As the saying goes, ‘if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
“Since 2009, our Koloa Rum team has made this remarkable journey together, and our success is a result of these collective efforts. I plan to remain active in the alcohol beverage space and will re-engage on this platform soon. Until then, mahalo nui loa and a hui hou!”
In other Kōloa news, Gunter and the company filed a federal lawsuit in February 2025 against the Jones Act, arguing that the law significantly inflates freight costs for Hawaiian producers; however, the challenge was dismissed by a US federal judge in January.
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