Washington, DC, July 1 – Gerard (Gerry) Ruvo, Chairman and CEO of Campari America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), has been elected Chairman of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), the industry trade group said today. His term begins June 30, 2013.
Ruvo has more than 35 years of experience in the beverage alcohol business and has held a variety of important leadership positions in the U.S. distilled spirits industry. He joined Campari America (formerly Skyy Spirits) in 1998, building a comprehensive sales and marketing structure, while directing the company’s rapid expansion through organic growth and brand acquisitions. Under his leadership, SKYY® Vodka became a leading premium vodka in the United States market. Other key Campari America brands include Wild Turkey® Bourbon; American Honey®; Appleton® Rum; Espolón® Tequila; a wide portfolio of premium Scotch whiskies; and Campari®, the iconic red Italian liqueur.
“The Distilled Spirits Council is honored to have such an experienced and insightful industry leader as Gerry Ruvo as our new chairman,” said Council President Peter H. Cressy. “He has had a long record of commercial innovation and a strong commitment to social responsibility throughout his career, and brings those values to the deliberations of the DISCUS Board. Speaking for his colleagues on the Board, we are very pleased to have his energy and global perspective at the helm.”
Prior to joining Campari America, Ruvo held high level sales positions with Diageo, The Paddington Corporation, and Pepsi Wine and Spirits. He began his career with Gallo. Ruvo succeeds John McDonnell of Patron.
“I look forward to working with the Board and staff to continue DISCUS’ leadership in the fight against higher taxes; to expand market access and modernization; and to promote responsibility and moderation,” said Ruvo. “I also want to thank John McDonnell for his invaluable service to DISCUS and the industry.”
Ruvo is also well-known for his charitable endeavors, including work with the American Cancer Society, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Sky Ranch Foundation, an alcohol industry charity for disadvantaged youth. A native New Yorker, he holds degrees from SUNY Cortland, and resides in San Francisco with his wife Sue. He has two grown children.
The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) is the national trade association representing the leading producers and marketers of distilled spirits in the United States. The Council encourages responsible and moderate consumption by adults; opposes higher taxes and trade barriers; and supports modern policies that provide greater market access and increased consumer convenience.