Robinson Brown IV and Joe Fortune Elected Chair and Vice Chair of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
WASHINGTON – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) Board of Directors has elected Robinson Brown IV, Brown‑Forman Corporation Senior Vice President and Managing Director for USA & Canada, as chair of the national trade association representing leading producers and marketers of distilled spirits sold in the United States. Brown succeeds Dan Leese, who has completed his two-year term in June.
“Robinson brings deep industry expertise, global perspective and a strong commitment to responsible growth to his new role as chair,” said DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger. “His leadership will be invaluable as we continue advancing policies that drive long-term growth for the U.S. spirits sector.”
Swonger added, “We are deeply grateful to Dan for his outstanding leadership over the past two years. He guided the industry through a challenging trade and marketplace environment, strengthening our federal and state advocacy, and helping spirits producers, large and small, navigate ongoing tariff pressures.”
Brown oversees Brown-Forman’s business across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Since joining the company in 2004, he has held a series of leadership roles spanning sales, marketing and commercial operations both domestically and internationally. Prior to his current role, he served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director, U.S. Sales, where he led the company’s major route-to-market and distributor network transformation. He has also held international leadership positions based in Dubai and Amsterdam, with responsibility for multiple Emerging and European markets.
As a fifth-generation member of the Brown family and a descendant of founder George Garvin Brown, Brown brings a unique perspective that combines family stewardship with executive leadership.
“It is an honor to serve as chair of DISCUS and to work alongside Chris Swonger, Vice Chair Joe Fortune, the Board and our member companies,” said Brown. “As the spirits sector continues to grapple with economic and trade uncertainty, our industry’s role in the U.S. economy is more important than ever, supporting jobs and hospitality businesses across the country. I look forward to building on DISCUS’ strong foundation of industry leadership, advocacy and responsibility.”
Joe Fortune Elected as Vice Chair
Joe Fortune serves as Chief Executive Officer of Mast‑Jägermeister US, where he leads the growth and transformation of the Jägermeister brand and oversees the U.S. distribution of Teremana Tequila. Fortune has more than 25 years of experience across beverage alcohol, consumer goods and technology.
Since becoming CEO, he has led the business through continued sales and profit growth, a significant route-to-market transformation, and a cultural evolution that emphasizes transparency, accountability and performance. Prior to his current role, Fortune served as the company’s Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and previously held senior leadership positions at Diageo and Disaronno International.
“Having seen this industry evolve over time, it’s clear we’re entering a defining period. The DISCUS Board is committed to working together to face today’s challenges while advancing policies that unlock growth, expand consumer access and ensure spirits remain a strong, competitive part of the beverage alcohol landscape,” said Fortune.
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HEADSHOT: Joe Fortune, Chief Executive Officer of Mast-Jägermeister US, Inc.
