The name Raphaël Grisoni resonates with affection throughout the whole island of Barbados. In the 10 years that he has presided over the international affairs of Mount Gay rum, he has become an important local figure. As General Director of Mount Gay Distilleries Ltd since July 2008, Raphaël Grisoni occupies a position whose multiple challenges go beyond classic entrepreneurial and decision making.

He takes a strategic role supporting and communicating to the 130 people who make up the Mount Gay team, a certain and lasting ambition for the oldest running rum distillery in the world. However, it is equally an operational role looking after the distillery’s commercial element. Both the power and performance of the distribution network are essential to the success of this rich and aromatic rum, which already has such worldwide success.

His daily endeavors are supported by a strong social involvement within the company and in the community. Mount Gay plays an important economic role amongst the 285,000 inhabitants of this Caribbean island, which is why Raphaël hosts monthly meetings, in addition to the large annual meeting, allowing the teams to exchange ideas ensuring all employees are fully involved in the brand’s continued success.

Raphaël also envisaged that the Mount Gay board and employees would be involved in the local Bajan community. In addition to staff meetings, there are a number of special events and activities that bring employees and their families together for collective initiatives that give back to Barbados. In the past, Mount Gay employees have come together to participate in beach cleaning, tree planting and repainting villages.

In addition to this communal unity, Raphaël regularly meets with the island’s political leaders and acts as the Chairman of the Barbados Rum Distillers Committee and Director of the West Indies Rum and Spirit Producer Association (WIRSPA). He works with these members to preserve, encourage and protect the island’s know-how, which is inherent in its history and economy, as well as in the larger Caribbean region. This responsibility is highlighted by his passionate engagement with the “drink responsibly” policy, which warns against excessive alcohol consumption and the risks associated with it.

With 20 years of experience in the world of wine and spirits and fluency in 5 languages, Raphaël Grisoni sits at the helm of key markets in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. He watches over future of Mount Gay with passion and determination. “I have lived in Barbados for 10 years, a place where community spirit and genuine kindness offer a unique opportunity to develop one of the most emblematic and authentic spirits in the best conditions. Mount Gay possesses a rich history, exceptional territory, and exclusive products. In addition to this, there is a unique way of life on this island, which makes Mount Gay an even more enjoyable experience. It is my role, with the invaluable help of my team, to share this rum across the world.”

Mount Gay rum, manufactured since 1703 in the northwestern part of Barbados, demonstrates the authenticity of the Remy Cointreau group’s pledge to conserve the history, heritage, expertise and mastery necessary to produce one of the best rums in the world.