McIlhenny has appointed Harold Osborn as president and chief executive of the US-based manufacturer of Tabasco sauce.

Osborn has been named as head of the family-owned, Louisiana-based business following the retirement of Anthony Simmons earlier this month after 19 years of service. Simmons will continue to serve on the board of directors, according to a statement.

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The new CEO has previously served in management positions across the company including operations, agriculture, land management, sustainability and new product development. Over the past six years, Osborn has led the international sales and marketing team as McIlhenny expanded distribution to 195 countries.

Osborn said: “I am humbled and honoured to have the opportunity to lead this great company alongside the McIlhenny family. It’s an exciting time for the Tabasco brand as people around the world are searching for new and bold foods and flavours more than ever before. I’m energised by all of the growth opportunities that lie ahead of us.”

McIlhenny was founded by Tabasco creator Edmund McIlhenny in 1868 on Avery Island, Louisiana, and does not reveal details of its turnover or financial performance.

A local media report quoted Osborn as saying last year: “We didn’t come out with a new flavour until the early 1990s. Back in the 1800s, we tried other things like canning seafood, which almost bankrupted the company, but the key to our success is sticking to our niche.”

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