FREDERIKSTED — Cynthia Arnold will lead a 70-person team at Diageo’s Captain Morgan distillery as she becomes the firm’s vice president of operations in the territory.
Arnold joined Diageo U.S. Virgin Islands in December 2011 as finance manager. She moved into operations in 2017 and “played a key role in driving improved performance.”
Arnold was instrumental in helping to increase production volume and revenues, gain positive audit ratings and secure ISO certifications.
She was also a “steadying force” during the recovery efforts after Hurricane Maria, where she played an “enormous role in resolving operational issues to help bring production back online”.
“We are thrilled to have Cynthia lead our operations on St Croix,” said Erik Snyder, chairman of the board, Diageo U.S. Virgin Islands. “Cynthia is a trusted and respected team member and manager. We are confident that under her leadership, our USVI colleagues will continue their progress as a high-performing team, further our business as a world-class supply organization and continue making Diageo USVI a great place to work and a valued member of the Virgin Islands community.”
Prior to joining Diageo, Arnold, a St. Croix native, previously worked as USVI territorial director of unemployment insurance and was finance district manager at Delta Air Lines.
“I could not be more excited to lead the team and operations at Diageo USVI,” Arnold said.
“We have an excellent crew of production operators, asset care technicians, environmental and technical specialists and business professionals who have built a track record of making high-quality rum consistently and safely.
“We plan to keep up that pace, and because we believe in celebrating life every day, everywhere, we’re going to have a little fun doing it.”
In September 2017, Diageo pledged $1 million to support relief and recovery efforts for communities that had been affected by Hurricane Irma in the US Virgin Islands.
Diageo’s Captain Morgan rum distillery is based on St. Croix and conducts daily tours at its South Shore facility to introduce tourists and locals alike to its brand.
SOURCE: The Spirits Business