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WhistlePig CEO steps down
Jeff Kozak will be stepping down as CEO of WhistlePig after 10 years at the American whiskey distillery.
Kozak said of his leaving: “It has been a privilege of a lifetime to help build WhistlePig from a small craft rye whiskey company into an internationally acclaimed whiskey brand that is known for and continues to push the boundaries of quality, innovation, and independence.”
“I am so proud of the incredibly talented team we have built and I’m excited for them to continue to disrupt and challenge the broader American whiskey and bourbon category globally,” he added.
Prior to his time at WhistlePig, Kozak served as a director of whiskey, spirits and raw materials at Diageo, and did a 12 year stint with spirits giant Beam Suntory. He joined WhistlePig as CFO/COO in 2014, becoming CEO in late 2017. Precisely what he will be doing next is not clear, a press release concerning his departure simply mentions that he is leaving “to pursue other opportunities”.
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With Kozak’s departure, Marty Birkel will assume the role of interim CEO – Birkel’s CV includes experience with Constellation Brands and Gallo. He has been a member of the WhistlePig board since 2019.
“We see great opportunities ahead of us,” said WhistlePig co-founder and chairman Wilco Faessen, “including in route to market with our recently established national partnership with Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits, as well as on the product and brand equity building and awareness side, and believe that we have all the ingredients in place for this next chapter of the company’s growth and success.”
WhistlePig began in 2007 with the acquisition of an ex-dairy farm in Vermont. Dave Pickerel, who had previously spend 14 years at Maker’s Mark, took on the role of master distiller. Rye whiskey is the brand’s speciality, with labels including The Boss Hog, Piggybank Rye, and new launch The Badönkådonk, with WhistlePig collaborating with John Cleese on the promotion of the latter.
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