As COO, Rob Samuels will work closely with his father, Bill Samuels Jr, on the day-to-day business of Maker’s Mark. He will also serve as distillery general manager.

Rob Samuels, the grandson of Maker’s Mark founder Bill Samuels Sr, is the eighth generation to continue the tradition of bourbon making. In the lead up to the role, Rob has worked every job at the Maker’s Mark distillery. Most recently, he has served as director of global brand development for bourbon.

“Rob has proven himself as an excellent leader,” said Kevin George, senior vice president and global chief marketing officer of Beam Global Spirits & Wine. “We look forward to his expanded contributions to Maker’s Mark as he continues the family legacy and takes on custodianship of the brand as chief operating officer.”

Prior to becoming the director of global brand marketing at Maker’s Mark, from 2003 to 2005, Samuels was Florida territory manager for the distilled spirits portfolio of Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine and Ohio State manager in the preceding four years.