Ole Smoky Distillery Appoints Michael Novy Chief Executive Officer

Thirty-five-year veteran of the beverage alcohol industry poised to lead global distiller of premium moonshine, whiskey and tequila products into its next chapter of growth

GATLINBURG, Tenn., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The maker of Ole Smoky®, the most awarded moonshine and flavored whiskey brand in the U.S., and Tanteo® Tequila, the premium, 100% agave tequila known for its line of spicy infusions, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Michael Novy as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Novy, a seasoned veteran with 35 years in the beverage industry, succeeds Robert Hall, who served as CEO since 2016 and was instrumental in guiding the company through a period of rapid growth and change. Hall will remain onboard for a period to assist Novy in making a smooth transition, before retiring and moving closer to his family in California.

With a deep understanding of the spirits market and a passion for building businesses, Novy steps into the CEO role for both the Ole Smoky and Tanteo Tequila brands with a wealth of experience and a bold vision for the future, including leadership roles at E&J Gallo, Constellation Brands and, most recently, the CEO of Calabasas Beverage Company, where he drove 818 Tequila to 30% growth last year and also led the Sprinter Vodka Soda business.  

"We are pleased to welcome Mike Novy to Ole Smoky," comments Nick Hartman, Partner, Apax Partners LLP. "Mike's leadership, commercial skills and industry experience will further accelerate growth and help achieve even greater levels of success, leveraging the strong foundation built since the company's founding in 2010. I would also like to thank Robert for his significant contributions over the last nine and a half years as CEO."

Novy started his career at E&J Gallo, where he spent nearly 17 years, beginning as a Sales Representative and later assuming Vice President of Marketing and General Management positions. Next, he served as Division Vice President at Constellation Brands, where he worked closely with Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits, one of Ole Smoky's valued distributor partners, and was eventually promoted to General Manager of Constellation's spirits business, where he drove the turnaround of SVEDKA vodka from a 4% decline to 8% growth, as well as launched and managed several whiskey and tequila brands. Novy served as President of Casa Dragones Tequila for two years prior to creating and launching 818 Tequila.

"I'm honored to join Ole Smoky, a deeply authentic brand known for its extraordinary innovation and consumer engagement," said Novy. "I look forward to working with our talented team and industry partners to drive Ole Smoky and Tanteo to new levels of growth in the U.S. and around the world."

Novy earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA at Georgetown University. He currently lives in the Chicago area with his wife Karen and plans to relocate to the Sevier County area in East Tennessee — near the Ole Smoky headquarters — in the coming months.

For more information, please visit www.olesmoky.com, and be sure to follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, X and YouTube.  

About Tanteo® Tequila
In 2023, Ole Smoky acquired the Tanteo® brand. Tanteo Tequila is a leading producer of premium, 100 percent agave tequilas, renowned for their unique and flavorful profiles. With a commitment to quality and authenticity, Tanteo Tequila has become synonymous with excellence within the tequila industry. By infusing their tequilas with hand-cut, fresh peppers, Tanteo Tequila has revolutionized the iconic spicy margarita and created unforgettable taste experiences. Tanteo Tequila is available in all 50 states in fine bars, restaurants and spirits shops, as well as online. For more information, please visit www.tanteotequila.com.

About Ole Smoky® Distillery LLC
As the leading distiller of premium, authentically crafted moonshine in the world, Ole Smoky produces over 25 moonshine and 17 whiskey varieties, offering a taste for everyone and a good time for all. Founded in 2010, the company's roots are traced to the Smoky Mountains' earliest settlers — families who produced moonshine with enduring pride and Appalachian spirit. It was the first federally licensed distillery in East Tennessee. Today, Ole Smoky is the most visited distillery in the world with over five million visitors annually, and the number one selling and most awarded moonshine brand in the world. In recognition of Ole Smoky's tremendous growth, the company has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 List of the fastest growing private companies in America for five consecutive years – 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, as well as honored with seven Shanken Communications' Hot Brand Awards and three Blue Chip Brand Awards, two 2025 Growth Brand Awards from Beverage Information Group, and the 2023 PR%F the Magazine Distillery of the Year award. Ole Smoky has now won over 500 awards to date.  

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SOURCE Ole Smoky Distillery