Speakers

John McDonnell has enjoyed a career filled with opportunities to launch and market successful global spirits brands. He began at Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, where he spent years in various domestic and international sales and marketing positions. John distinguished himself at Seagram with his strategic use of marketing instead of cost-cutting to increase revenue, despite difficult times. As country manager for Taiwan, his leadership turned the business around in just three years ... from a $13 million loss to a $21 million profit.

He joined Patrón and was appointed chief operating officer in January, 2005. In 2013, he relocated to the company’s headquarters in Switzerland to take on the additional role of President of Patrón’s international operations, monitoring and managing the company’s day-to-day activities both in the U.S. and abroad, reporting to the chief executive officer. He also helped close the company’s acquisition of ultra- premium Ultimat vodka and has led the company’s international and duty-free expansion into over 130 countries and islands worldwide.

John’s many responsibilities include overseeing Patrón’s manufacturing, sales, and marketing, including online social media. He is also actively involved with the company’s leadership in environmental responsibility. Patrón installed the first reverse osmosis water treatment plant in the history of tequila in Mexico, has become one of the largest consumers of recycled glass in that country, and has been certified for years with ISO 14001 for environmental performance in reducing waste, cleaning the air, and limiting noise.

In February 2012, John was elected chairman of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), the national trade association representing America’s leading distillers. Also in 2012, he was named to the Board of Trustees at Suffolk University in Boston. John is also co-owner of an entrepreneurial venture, now in its second decade: The Action Group USA, a beverage sales and marketing consulting firm.

On behalf of Patrón, John is a strong supporter of numerous philanthropic and charitable organizations. The company works to make a real difference on issues ranging from children’s health, to hunger and clean water, to the rebuilding of New Orleans. In addition, he contributes considerable time and energy to civic and educational causes in his native Boston.