Overview: Paradise Spirits announced on October 5, 2026, that Rick Tigner has joined the executive leadership team of El Tequileño. The former President and Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Family Wines brings more than three decades of commercial leadership experience to support the brand’s international growth.
The Full Story
Paradise Spirits, owner of the award-winning El Tequileño tequila brand, confirmed that Rick Tigner has joined its executive leadership team. In his new role, he will work alongside Paradise Spirits’ leadership to strengthen the company’s commercial capabilities and distributor partnerships while helping guide the continued expansion of El Tequileño across the United States and key international markets.
Tigner brings deep expertise across global sales, distributor management, route-to-market strategy and premium brand development. Wayne Henuset, Founder and President of Paradise Spirits, stated that Tigner is one of the most accomplished and respected commercial leaders in beverage alcohol. Henuset noted that Tigner understands every facet of building an enduring brand, from producing exceptional liquid to creating meaningful connections with consumers.
Tigner joined Kendall-Jackson in 1991 as Western Division Manager and rose through a series of senior commercial leadership positions before being named President of Jackson Family Wines in 2010 and Chief Executive Officer in 2015. During his tenure, he helped transform the family-owned company into a major global wine business, with a portfolio that grew to encompass more than 40 wineries across prominent wine regions in eight countries.
Over the course of his career, Tigner has held leadership responsibilities spanning sales, marketing, distributor relations, operations, finance, production and long-term portfolio development. His industry recognition includes being named Market Watch Industry Executive of the Year in 2022 and Wine Executive of the Year in the Wine Enthusiast 2025 Wine Star Awards. He retired from Jackson Family Wines in 2026.
Tigner commented on the opportunity ahead, stating there is tremendous opportunity to expand the brand’s commercial reach, deepen its global partnerships and introduce this remarkable tequila to more consumers around the world.
Production & Profile
Founded in Tequila, Jalisco, in 1959 by Don Jorge Salles Cuervo, El Tequileño has remained steadfastly rooted in the traditions and craftsmanship of its historic birthplace for more than six decades. Every expression is produced exclusively at La Guarreña distillery, where the brand marries mature agave from Los Altos de Jalisco with natural volcanic spring water from Volcán de Tequila using time-honored production methods.
The brand portfolio includes Blanco, Reposado, Platinum, Reposado Gran Reserva, Añejo Gran Reserva, Cristalino, Still Strength Blanco, The Sassenach Select, Extra Añejo, and the world’s first Reposado Rare. Overseen by third-generation master distiller Jorge Antonio Salles, the family’s legacy and expertise has been passed through generations to ensure only the finest quality tequila is produced to this day.
Brand & Industry History
El Tequileño was founded in 1959 by the legendary tequila industry pioneer, Don Jorge Salles Cuervo. The brand has been overseen by third-generation master distiller Jorge Antonio Salles, ensuring that the family’s legacy and expertise have been passed through generations. El Tequileño is exclusively produced at La Guarreña distillery; no other tequila has ever been produced there.
What This Means
Tigner’s appointment marks the latest step in the brand’s continued global expansion. The move aims to strengthen the company’s commercial capabilities and distributor partnerships while helping guide the continued expansion of El Tequileño across the United States and key international markets. El Tequileño has all the qualities that distinguish brands with enduring international potential: authenticity, exceptional liquid, committed ownership and a compelling story deeply rooted in place and family.
Consumer Takeaway
El Tequileño is distributed in more than 49 countries. The brand offers consumers a product distinguished by authenticity, exceptional liquid, and a compelling story deeply rooted in place and family. This release represents the next chapter of global growth for a producer that singularly focuses on craft and quality.
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