Gulf Distributing Expands Leadership Team With Three Key Director Hires

Last Updated: July 30, 2026By Tags:

Two New Senior Positions Reflect Growth, Innovation and Future Expansion Plans

MOBILE, Ala. — Gulf Distributing Holdings recently welcomed three new members to its leadership team. These senior hires, including the newly created Director of Spirits Division and Director of Enterprise Solutions, reinforce the company’s strategic commitment to growth, innovation, and positioning the organization for future expansion.

“We’re excited to welcome these talented leaders to our team as we continue building momentum and investing in the future of Gulf Distributing,” said CEO of Gulf Distributing Holding and Chairman, Elliot B. Maisel. “As one of the leading beverage distributors in the nation, we know continued growth requires strong leadership, operational excellence and a clear commitment to serving our customers, suppliers and communities at the highest level. The growth of our spirits division is a strategic priority, and all three directors bring the expertise and experience needed to position Gulf Distributing for long-term success.”

Joining Gulf Distributing as Director of Strategic Operations, Josh Smith brings over 30 years of leadership experience in beverage distribution, warehouse transformation and large-scale infrastructure projects. His career includes roles with Silver Eagle Distributors, SED Holdings and Cirrus Tech, as well as more than a decade leading complex projects throughout the Middle East and North Africa. At Gulf, Smith will work across the company’s territory to evaluate systems, develop standard operating procedures and implement industry best practices.

Ryan McDonald joins Gulf Distributing as its first Director of Spirits Division. He brings extensive experience across both the supplier and distributor tiers of the beverage industry. Prior to joining Gulf, he served as portfolio manager for Alabama and Mississippi at Republic National Distributing Company. Earlier in his career, he worked with White Rock Distilleries, managing the Southeast Control States, and with Western Spirits, overseeing the Southeast and Northwest Control States. In his new role, McDonald will lead the continued growth and development of Gulf Distributing’s spirits division, strengthening supplier relationships and expanding opportunities across the company’s operations.

Cameron Koorangi returns to Gulf Distributing as its first Director of Enterprise Solutions, a newly crafted leadership role, bringing more than 15 years of experience helping beverage distributors and suppliers grow through technology, data and software solutions. Koorangi previously worked with Allstate Beverage and Gulf Distributing Holdings before joining iSellBeer/CPGData, Encompass Technologies and Salient. In his new role, he will lead companywide initiatives designed to drive innovation and performance across Gulf Distributing Holdings.

About Gulf Distributing Co.

Founded in 1973 by Freida G. Maisel—Alabama’s first woman to own a beer distributorship outright—Gulf Distributing Co. has since expanded into a network of six core wholesale subsidiaries serving the Gulf Coast region. Headquartered in Mobile, Ala., the family-owned company employs over 1,300 team members and partners with more than 100 suppliers to deliver beer, wine, spirits and now functional beverages across Alabama, the Florida Panhandle, and southern Mississippi. Through its subsidiaries—Gulf Distributing Co. of Mobile; Gulf Distributing Co. of Alabama (Huntsville & Birmingham); Allstate Beverage Company (Central AL); Goldring Gulf Distributing (NW Florida); and Energy Beverage Management (Mississippi)—Gulf continues its legacy of market leadership, community engagement, and innovative distribution solutions. For more information, visit www.gulfdistributing.com.

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