Canadian-Guyanese takes helm of legendary ElDorado rum company

Komal Samaroo

By Gerald V. Paul

 

A well-known Toronto-based businessman has been appointed the new chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), one of the Caribbean’s premier rum companies.

Komal Samaroo, who served as the Canadian-based Vice President of International Marketing at DDL, will replace the legendary businessman Dr Yesu Persaud at the helm of the rum company, a post he has held for the last 50 years. Dr. Persaud’s retirement will take effect on December 31, 2013.

Dr. Persaud took over the helm of DDL in 1975, when it was named Diamond Liquor Ltd.

DDL is best known for its El Dorado line, considered by connoisseurs as the world’s best rum.

When asked about his plans after retirement. Dr. Persaud revealed there are options open to him to live either in Canada or England, but he has decided to remain in his homeland to “help people to help themselves.”

“I stand here very proud to be leaving, seeing where DDL is today, and not only because it is profitable but it is producing the best in the world,’ Dr. Persaud said.

And Samaroo concurs, noting that for the second year in 2012, DDL was named Distiller of the Year for the Americas and Caribbean. DDL has also received numerous awards for its El Dorado 15 year old, 12 year old and 8 year-old brands.

In Canada, the brand’s sales increased by over 15 per cent in the last year.

And a forward thinker, Samaroo is well experienced and positioned for continued growth and a win-win in Guyana and on the international stage.