Diageo USVI has appointed Bob Bowman, previously the director of operations, to the post of vice president of operations, replacing Dan Kirby, who retires at the end of July, according to the distillery. Bowman takes up the position at the beginning of July.

“Having known Bob and worked closely with him for a number of years, I know his breadth of experience makes him a great fit to run the USVI business,” said Ewan Andrew, senior vice president for Diageo’s operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, in a statement from the company.

“I have every confidence that (Bowman) will lead the team on St. Croix in furthering our business as a world class supply organization and continuing to make Diageo USVI a respected member of the Virgin Islands communities," Andrews continued.

As director of operations, Bowman currently oversees day-to-day operations at the state-of-the-art rum facility. In this role, he put in place a structured training and certification program. Previously Bowman served as site director for Diageo’s Gimli facility in Canada where Crown Royal whiskies are made. Before joining Diageo, Bowman served in a variety of roles at Anheuser-Busch InBev at their Halifax, Nova Scotia, brewery.

Kirby, who Bowman is replacing, has led Diageo USVI since the beginning of the public-private initiative with the Virgin Islands.

“It’s a bittersweet moment – for me and my family – to leave St. Croix where we have been welcomed by the residents of this community and found a home away from home," Kirby said, reflecting on his retirement.

Diageo USVI Chairman Paul Gallagher praised Bowman, saying that in addition to his technical expertise, “he is also a dedicated community member, having already become an active participant in both charitable and social events in St. Croix.”

“I know he will make a positive impact on both Diageo USVI and the community at large,” Gallaher said.