The CEO of 1 of America’s Biggest Whiskey Producers Just Announced His Retirement — Here’s Who Will Replace Him
A logo sign outside of a facility occupied by MGP Ingredients, Inc., also known as Midwest Grain Products, in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, on July 2, 2017. (Photo: Sipa USA via AP)
On Thursday, MGP Ingredients Inc., one of the U.S.’s largest producers of spirits, announced the retirement of its CEO and president, David Colo.
Colo’s retirement will go into effect Dec. 31, and he will be replaced by MGP’s current chief operating officer and president of branded spirits, David Bratcher.
Bratcher will take over as CEO and president effective Jan. 1.
“It has been a privilege to work with the Board of MGP and a talented and passionate group of employees throughout the Company, altogether who have achieved significant results in a number of areas the past few years,” Colo said in a news release. “I have worked closely with David Bratcher during the past couple of years and we are fortunate to have such a talented and capable leader to be the next CEO of MGP.”
Colo will stay on with MGP in an advisory role through April, in order to “facilitate a smooth transition,” according to MGP.
Per MGP, Colo and Bratcher have worked closely together for more than two years since MGP merged with Luxco in April 2021. Colo became MGP’s CEO and president in May 2020, following stints with ConAgra Foods, Diamond Foods and SunOpta. Bratcher, meanwhile, joined MGP directly following the merger after serving as Luxco’s president since 2013.
“The time I have spent with David over the last couple of years has been an invaluable experience for me,” Bratcher said. “What David, the MGP Board, and all the employees have accomplished during his tenure is nothing short of impressive. I am extremely grateful to become MGP’s next CEO and look forward to working with the MGP Board and all our employees in challenging ourselves to continue moving the business forward.”
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