Leading Kōloa Rum Co. is one of the most meaningful chapters of Bob Gunter’s life.
That chapter of Gunter’s life — and the Kaua‘i distillery’s history — ended Friday, May 1, as the man who helmed Hawai‘i’s award-winning producer of premium, small-batch Hawaiian rum stepped down as the company’s chief executive officer and president after nearly two decades.
Kōloa Rum announced effective the same day the appointment of Chief Commercial Officer Robert Ramer to succeed Gunter as the distillery’s chief operating officer.
“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my decision to step down … ,” Gunter wrote in a LinkedIn post. “Over the past 18 years, we have achieved remarkable growth, showcasing the talent, expertise and dedication of our team.”
He wrote that together, they transformed a dream into reality.
The Kōloa Rum brand expanded to 38 states, the District of Columbia and internationally to Canada, Japan and Europe under Gunter’s leadership.
He strengthened the company’s sustainable practices, expanded global awareness about Hawaiian rum, championed the use of locally-sourced ingredients and ensured every one of the distillery’s products reflected the spirit of aloha.
“As the saying goes, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,'” Gunter wrote in his social media post. “Since 2009, our Kōloa Rum team has made this remarkable journey together, and our success is a result of these collective efforts.”
Former Kōloa Rum executive Farrah Aviles said in a comment on his LinkedIn message that Gunter helmed the Kaua‘i distillery during an incredible chapter of its history and leaves behind an impressive legacy.
“What you built at Kōloa Rum Company is something few achieve, and I feel very fortunate to have learned from you along the way,” wrote Aviles, who is now director of sales and marketing for Baton Rouge, La.-based Oxbow Rum Distillery. “The way you’ve led with integrity, humility and care for people is what truly stands out and I thank you for your leadership and mentorship during my time there. Excited to see what’s next for you. Mahalo and a hui hou!”
Gunter — who began his Kōloa Rum Co. tenure in 2008 as the distillery’s chief operating officer — was promoted to his last post as president and chief executive officer just 2 years later in 2010.
He brought deep operational expertise and a strong connection to the Kaua‘i’s heritage, having decades of experience in the state’s agricultural and spirits industries already under his belt.
Gunter is also a dedicated community advocate, having served on several boards and committees, including Hawai‘i Employers Council Board of Governors, Kaua’i Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers Association Industry Access Council and DISCUS State Governmental Relations Committee.
“When I joined this company, our hope was simple: to craft a rum that truly reflects Kaua‘i — its people, its history and the spirit of aloha that makes this place unlike anywhere else,” he said in a statement following his stepping down. “What we’ve built together over the years is something I’m incredibly proud of, and that credit goes to our hardworking team, who show up every day with passion and respect for the craft.”
Gunter won’t be too far from where his career took him during the past 18 years as he plans to remain active in the alcohol beverage space, writing in his LinkedIn post that he “will re-engage on this platform soon.”
“As I step into this next phase, I’m grateful for every person who has supported us along the way,” his follow-up statement said. “I’m especially proud to hand the reins to Robert, and I’m confident he will honor our roots while guiding Kōloa Rum into a bright and exciting future.”
Ramer rose through the ranks during the past 6 years to gain his previous post as Kōloa Rum’s chief commercial officer.
He began his career at the Kaua‘i distillery in 2011 as an operations intern before spending a few years pursuing professional baseball.
Ramer then re-entered the corporate world, working in enterprise software sales before returning in 2019 to Kōloa as a director of U.S. mainland and European Union business development.
His leadership momentum grew with his promotion to chief commercial officer in which he spent the past year and a half defining and executing Kōloa Rum’s commercial strategy throughout domestic and international markets.
Ramer has a consistent record of driving growth, strengthening global markets and elevating the brand’s commercial success.
It’s that proven progression — paired with his strategic vision and operational expertise — that made him an essential driver of Kōloa Rum’s growth, and now to his appointment as chief operating officer and Gunter’s successor.
Ramer in his new role will oversee day-to-day operations and lead the company as it continues to grow and expand.
“I’ve grown with this team and seen the resilience and pride that define our work. This is a continuation of our shared journey, and I’m honored to help lead it to the next chapter,” said Ramer in a statement. “We have a strong foundation, and now we have the opportunity to shape what Kōloa Rum becomes in the years ahead.”
Kōloa Rum Co. was founded in 2009 and is rooted in Kaua‘i’s rich agricultural traditions, widely known for dedication to quality, sustainability and authentic expression of Hawaiian ingredients and culture.
It produces a large portfolio of handcrafted rums using cane sugar and pristine rainwater from Mount Waiʻaleʻale, all of which are distilled, blended and bottled at its distillery in Kalāheo.
Each of its rum expressions delivers a distinctive taste of the Hawaiian Islands and is celebrated for its smoothness, character and sense of place.
Kōloa Rum was the first licensed distillery on Kaua‘i after the end of Prohibition in 1933. It also opened Hawai‘i’s first distilled spirits tasting room, and developed the portfolio of locally-produced rum and ready-to-drink cocktails for which it is known today.
Food & Beverage Magazine said following the announcement of the distillery’s change in leadership that with Ramer at the helm, Kōloa Rum is poised for an exciting new chapter.
“The company’s commitment to quality remains unwavering as it expands its footprint,” the magazine wrote. “Ramer’s leadership is expected to accelerate Kōloa Rum’s growth trajectory, focusing on enhancing brand visibility and maintaining its reputation for excellence.”
Ramer’s leadership will likely build upon Gunter’s legacy of community advocacy; however, the transition is more than just a change in leadership.
“It represents a strategic shift in the industry as a whole,” the magazine wrote. “As consumer preferences evolve, brands like Kōloa Rum must adapt to stay relevant. Ramer’s background in both operations and commercial strategy positions him uniquely to respond to market changes effectively.”
The magazine’s analysis adds that Kōloa Rum’s ongoing commitment to authenticity and sustainability, coupled with Ramer’s strategic vision, likely will resonate with consumers seeking genuine, high-quality products.
Visit the Kōloa Rum Co. website for additional information about the distillery, its spirits and much more. Locate a Kōloa Rum retailer near you with the online Kōloa Rum Finder.
News reporter Nathan Christophel contributed to this story.
