SKYY SPIRITS APPOINTS NEW PUBLIC RELATIONS AND EVENTS DIRECTOR
Posted: October 9th, 2007 under SKYY Corporate.
Former Allied Domecq Executive to Lead Communications for Corporate Expansion and Brand Growth Initiatives
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (October 9, 2007) – Skyy Spirits, the definitive marketer and distributor of super-premium and luxury spirits brands in North America, today announced the appointment of Dave Karraker to the position of Director of Public Relations and Events. Karraker, a 20-year communications veteran, joined the company on October 1 and reports directly to the newly-hired Vice-President of Marketing, David Racicot.
In his new role with Skyy Spirits, Karraker will oversee all internal and external communications activities for the company and its broad portfolio of 25 spirits brands, including flagship product SKYY Vodka, SKYY90, SKYY Flavors, Campari, Cinzano Vermouths, Ouzo 12, The Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cutty Sark Scotch Whisky, Carolans Irish Cream, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Midori Melon Liquor, and the newly acquired Cabo Wabo Tequila, X-Rated Fusion Liqueur and Jean-Marc XO Vodka. Karraker will also manage Skyy Spirits’ brand-building events, sponsorships and entertainment outreach programs.
Prior to joining Skyy Spirits, Karraker was Senior Director of Corporate Communications for Sony Computer Entertainment America, managing public relations for the PlayStation brand in North America, including last year’s launch of the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. Before joining Sony, Karraker served as Vice-President of Corporate Communications for Allied Domecq Spirits North America, overseeing communications for such brands as Stolichnaya Vodka, Kahlua, Sauza Tequila, Maker’s Mark, Malibu Rum, Courvoisier, Midori Melon Liquor and many more. While with Allied Domecq, he also handled public relations for the launches of such high-profile products as Stolichnaya Elit, Malibu Flavors and ZEN Green Tea Liqueur. Karraker’s experience also includes work with such brands as Pete’s Brewing Company, Kmart, Martha Stewart, Joe Boxer, Sega, Microsoft and Blockbuster.
“Throughout his career, Dave has demonstrated a keen eye for strategic brand building,” said Gerry Ruvo, President and CEO, Skyy Spirits. “As Skyy Spirits looks to expand our strong, diverse portfolio of super-premium and luxury brands, as well as build greater bonds with our distributor and retail partners, his talents will assist us in driving awareness, trial and adoption, ultimately leading to brand growth.”
With the addition of Karraker and Racicot to the company, Skyy Spirits is continuing to expand and enhance its marketing department to support the business’s explosive growth. The recent addition of Cabo Wabo Tequila, X-Rated Fusion Liqueur and Jean-Marc XO Vodka demonstrates Skyy Spirits’ commitment to strategic expansion through smart acquisitions, innovation and brand extension. Key to this strategy is the company’s dedication to building strong, mutually beneficial relationships with its distributors and retailers, all leading to broad consumer appeal for its products.
About Skyy Spirits, LLC
Skyy Spirits, LLC is the definitive marketer and distributor of super-premium and luxury spirits brands in North America. Launched in the US in 1992 with the introduction of its flagship brand, SKYY Vodka, Skyy Spirits has grown exponentially, building a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. A subsidiary of global drinks giant Gruppo Campari, SKYY Spirits is the owner of such leading brands as SKYY Vodka, SKYY90, SKYY Flavors, X-Rated Fusion Liqueur and Jean-Marc XO Vodka. Skyy Spirits is the sole US distributor of Campari, Cinzano Vermouths, Ouzo 12, Aperol, Old Smuggler Scotch Whisky, Cutty Sark Scotch Whisky, 1800 and Gran Centenario tequilas, The Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Matusalem Rums, Martin Miller’s Gins, Carolans Irish Cream, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Irish Mist Liqueur, Midori Melon Liqueur, ZEN Green Tea Liqueur and Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky.
Skyy Spirits was founded and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
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Contact: pr@skyy.com
