Portland, Oregon-based Eastside Distilling, Inc., a consumer-focused beverage company that builds craft inspired experiential brands and high-quality artisan products around premium spirits and ready-to-drink (“RTD”) craft cocktails, announced that Paul Block, the CEO and chairman of the board, resigned from his positions with Eastside on Feb. 1. Eastside has named Geoffrey Gwin as the interim CEO, and Elizabeth Levy-Navarro as the chairman of the board. In addition, Eastside announced the appointment of Amy Lancer to the position of chief commercial officer of spirits.
“We thank Paul for the passion and commitment he has brought to Eastside Distilling,” said Elizabeth Levy-Navarro, chairman of Eastside Distilling, Inc., in a press release. “We are moving ahead, supporting the executive team during a transformational year for the company. The team made great strides in transforming the Company over the past year and we expect more progress this year.”
Geoffrey Gwin continued, “I am excited to be working with seasoned spirits executives such as Amy Lancer and congratulate her on her new role.” Amy Lancer joined the company last year as vice president of financial planning and analysis and brings over two decades of experience, having worked for Heineken, Bacardi, Diageo-Guinness and Pernod Ricard USA.