American Whiskey Association appoints Michael Bilello as inaugural CEO

Washington D.C. – The American Whiskey Association (AWA) has announced the appointment of Michael Bilello as its first Chief Executive Officer. This marks a significant milestone for the trade association founded in 2025.

Bilello brings more than 20 years of experience in leadership, strategic communications, public affairs, business development, and association management, including nearly a decade in the drinks industry. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President of Strategic Communications and Marketing at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), where he led advocacy, branding, marketing, and communications strategy, and acted as the organization’s primary spokesperson. He also served as Executive Director of SipSource, the industry’s leading wholesaler depletion data resource.

Earlier in his career, Bilello held leadership roles as Assistant Administrator for Strategic Communications and Public Affairs at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), President and CEO of Centurion Strategies, a specialty public relations and marketing firm, and as a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps following 9/11, with service during ground combat operations in Iraq.

Commenting on the recent appointment, Brett Hale, Chair of the AWA, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Michael as our first CEO. He brings a demonstrated track record of leadership, discipline, and a wealth of industry insight to the role. His appointment is a powerful signal of the AWA member’s commitment to drive global growth for American Whiskey.

With a clear strategy and experienced leadership in place, the AWA is now in a unique position to support the category’s future and drive growth on behalf of its members across the country.”

Michael Bilello said:

“I am deeply honored to serve as the new CEO of the American Whiskey Association. As we look to the future, our mission is to share the spirit of American whiskey with the world. From its early role in American history to the ways it continues to bring people together—whether in celebration, as a gesture of friendship, or in marking life’s milestones—whiskey remains a universal language of connection. Today, we continue that legacy by empowering consumers worldwide to discover, access, and appreciate the craft and character that make American whiskey truly unique.”

Founded in 2025, the AWA’s vision is to make American Whiskey the world’s whiskey. Under Bilello’s leadership, and working in conjunction with DISCUS and other leading trade associations, the Association will deliver on three missions:

• Promote American Whiskey’s unique craft and character, and its contribution to society, the economy and the environment
• Act as the leading voice representing the American Whiskey industry around the world, and protect American Whiskey’s access to global markets
• Maintain the category’s authenticity, provenance and quality through rigorous standards, definitions, and geographic indications.

Commenting on Bilello’s appointment, Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, and an American Whiskey Association Board member said:

“I hold Michael in high regard and look forward to working closely with him and the AWA members to maximise our ambitions for American Whiskey.”

Founding Members of the American Whiskey Association include:

• Brown-Forman Corporation
• Suntory Global Spirits
• Sazerac
• Campari Group
• Pernod Ricard
• Diageo

Board and Craft Members of the American Whiskey Association include:

• Constellation Brands
• Ole Smoky Distillery
• CIE Creative Green Solutions
• MGP Ingredients
• Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
• William Grant & Sons Ltd.

For more information about the American Whiskey Association or membership inquiries, please visit American-Whiskey.org or email contact@american-whiskey.org.