JOHN RUSSELL NAMED CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER OF HOOD RIVER DISTILLERS

Highly-Respected West Coast Marketer Will Lead Revitalization Of Brands For Legacy Pacific Northwest Distiller

John Russell has been named Chief Marketing Officer for Hood River Distillers , the Northwest’s largest and oldest importer, distiller, producer, bottler, and marketer of distilled spirits. Founded in 1934, Hood River Distillers is an 86 year-old family-owned and operated company based in Hood River, Oregon. It is also the oldest continuously operated distiller west of the Mississippi.

Russell brings over 40 years of successful brand building experience to this new role, which is focused on a diverse portfolio of high quality spirits. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President of Marketing for the Tillamook County Creamery Association, where he led the launch of the brand’s cheese and ice cream products throughout the Midwest, South and East Coast of the U.S. Russell was also responsible for the creation of Tillamook’s new logo and packaging redesign, and, in addition, led the development of the new Tillamook Creamery visitor center in Tillamook, Oregon.

"With John at the helm of our marketing efforts, 2020 will be one of the most pivotal years in the evolution of the Hood River Distillers company,” said Ronald Dodge, CEO of Hood River Distillers.“ We will be revitalizing every one of our premium brands, while creating new and exciting brands that will best capture the unique and authentic spirit of the greater Northwest.”

Previously in his career, Russell spent 13 years at renowned ad agency, Wieden+Kennedy, where he headed up top clients such as Nike and Coca-Cola. In 2003, he led the creation and launch of Pendleton Whisky, his first foray in the spirits world, which became one of the most successful new spirits brands of the past 20 years.

“We plan to be extremely aggressive and unique with our brand building efforts in 2020 and beyond,” said Russell. “We are already tapping into a few of the best marketing agencies in the region, including Sandstrom Partners, North, Owen Jones and Little Green Pickle. ”