Michael V. Cheek has been a Director since our inception. In 2007 Mr. Cheek formed Proximo Spirits which acquired Three Olives vodka from White Rock Distilleries for an undisclosed amount.Three Olives will be joined by the 1800 and Gran Centenario Tequila brands and Ron Matusalem rum in the Proximo portfolio at the beginning of next year, the company said."Proximo Spirits intends to accelerate the volume and profit growth of a high profile portfolio of super premium brands through focused consumer brand building,"
Mr. Cheek retired from Brown‑Forman Global Spirits, a division of Brown‑Forman Corporation, on January 1, 2004 where he served as Chairman of Finlandia Vodka Worldwide since September 2003. After serving in various management roles at The Coca-Cola Company, E&J Gallo Winery and the Carnation Company and as President of the Heublein Wine Division of Grand Metropolitan, in 1992 Mr. Cheek joined Brown‑Forman Global Spirits as Executive Vice President of Spirits Sales, was promoted to President of U.S. Spirits Bands and in 1993 was promoted to President of Brown‑Forman North American Spirits. In August 2000, Mr. Cheek became President of Brown‑Forman Spirits Worldwide where he served until September 2003. He also serves on the Board of Casa Cuervo, the parent company of Jose Cuervo.