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Spicing Up Governance

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Lessons from TABASCO®’s Family Leadership

Featuring: Tony Simmons, G5 Former President, CEO & Board Director, McIlhenny Corporation

Join us for an exclusive forum with Tony Simmons, the fifth-generation leader of McIlhenny Company, makers of TABASCO® Sauce. Learn how this iconic, family-owned business has navigated the complexities of family governance, board transitions, and next-gen leadership, all while preserving its rich legacy.

Join us to learn how TABASCO® is spicing up and building governance within their 5 MOUNTAINS®

Seven-Generation Legacy

  • Explore how TABASCO® has maintained its status as a globally recognized brand over seven generations. This includes the family’s commitment to preserving their values, maintaining control, and adapting to market changes while remaining true to their heritage as a family-owned business.

Governance for Growth

  • Discover the governance structures that have fueled TABASCO®’s long-term success. Key elements include the strategic inclusion of independent board members and innovative policies that balance tradition with forward-thinking strategies, fostering both continuity and innovation.

The Journey to Leadership

  • Learn about Tony Simmons’ unconventional journey from the machinery industry to taking the reins at TABASCO®. His leadership has been pivotal in modernizing the brand while respecting its deep-rooted family legacy, proving that fresh perspectives can drive generational success.

Next-Gen Engagement

  • Gain insights into how TABASCO® has cultivated family dynamics that nurture the next generation’s involvement. This includes strategies for managing shareholder expectations, fostering a sense of purpose, and creating pathways for younger family members to contribute meaningfully.

Transparent Governance

  • Examine the governance policies that ensure transparency, accountability, and harmony within the family. This includes innovative practices for managing family shares, setting clear expectations, and fostering open communication to avoid conflict and promote unity across generations.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain valuable insights from Tony Simmons and learn how a family business with over 150 years of history continues to thrive through effective governance, innovation, and family leadership.

About Tony Simmons

Tony Simmons is the great-great-grandson of Edmund McIlhenny, the creator of TABASCO® sauce. Tony’s leadership journey has been integral in guiding McIlhenny Company through key governance transitions, including introducing independent board members and passing a law to allow non-US residents to hold shares in family trusts. Tony’s leadership, which spanned from 2000 to his retirement as CEO in 2019, continues to inspire family businesses worldwide, demonstrating how to balance tradition with modern governance strategies.

About TABASCO®

TABASCO® products have been made by McIlhenny Company since 1868, when founder Edmund McIlhenny created the original pepper sauce. Today, McIlhenny Company is still family-owned and operated from its headquarters on Avery Island, Louisiana. The company remains committed to preserving its heritage while embracing sustainable practices and expanding its global reach, with TABASCO® products now sold in more than 165 countries.

Date & Time

Thursday, November 13, 2025
8:30 – 11:30 am EST
Breakfast Included

Venue

Radnor Valley Country Club
555 Sproul Rd
Villanova, PA 19085