Anthony “Tony” Simmons, previously executive vice president of McIlhenny Company, has been named president and COO of the company.

A great-great-grandson of Edmund McIlhenny, the creator of Tabasco brand pepper sauce, Simmons is a member of the fifth generation of the McIlhenny family involved in the production of Tabasco sauce and is the seventh family member to assume the presidency. The company is family owned and operated.

Paul C.P. McIlhenny has been elected chairman of the board of McIlhenny Company by the board of directors. McIlhenny will also maintain his role as CEO of the company, a position he has held since 2000. McIlhenny succeeds Edward “Ned” McIlhenny Simmons, who retired as chairman of the board on December 31, 2011. Paul is a member of the fourth generation of McIlhennys involved in the Tabasco sauce production. One of McIlhenny’s most significant achievements during his 14-year tenure as president of the company was the creation of a successful senior management team. This team includes his two cousins, Tony Simmons and Harold Osborn, whom he hired to begin working in the family business in 1999.

Harold “Took” Osborn has been named senior vice president of McIlhenny Company after serving as vice president of Agricultural Operations and chief sustainability officer. Osborn is a member of the fifth generation of the McIlhenny family involved in the company.

“It’s an exciting time for the company and the McIlhenny family,” says Paul McIlhenny, CEO and chairman of the board . “We look forward to continued success under this family leadership team.”