Tabasco CEO Paul McIlhenny Dies at 68

AVERY ISLAND, La.The McIlhenny Company announced its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board Paul Carr Polk McIlhenny, 68, passed away Feb. 23, 2013. A sixth-generation member of the family to live on Avery Island and fourth-generation member to produce TABASCO® brand Original Red Sauce, he joined McIlhenny Company in 1967 and directly oversaw the production and quality of all products sold under the TABASCO® brand for 13 years.

At the time of his death, McIlhenny was serving as chairman of the board, CEO and a director of McIlhenny Company, as well as president and a director of Avery Island, Inc. He also served on the board of the Americas WETLAND Foundation, and worked diligently to preserve Louisianas coastal wetlands. He also served as president and director of Bayou Corporation (Bayou Club).

During his tenure, the McIlhenny Company experienced many years of record growth in sales and earnings, marked by the introduction of multiple new products and flavors, including TABASCO® brand Chipotle Pepper Sauce, TABASCO® brand SWEET & Spicy Pepper Sauce and TABASCO® brand Buffalo Style Hot Sauce.

All of McIlhenny Company and the McIlhenny and Avery families are deeply saddened by this news," said Tony Simmons, president of McIlhenny Company and fifth-generation McIlhenny family member. We will clearly miss Pauls devoted leadership but will more sorely feel the loss of his acumen, his charm and his irrepressible sense of humor."