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Chief Executive DAVID FROST is leaving the organization to take up a new role as foreign affairs special adviser to the UK Foreign Secretary.  SWA deputy Chief Executive JULIE HESKETH-LAIRD will be acting CEO for the interim period before the appointment of a new CEO.

JENNIFER SUTHERLAND has been appointed to the newly-created role of Market Manager.  Working with distributors, she will manage statewide volume and distribution goals, and all aspects of on-and off-premise account merchandising and promotion.  Prior to joining the Brockmans team, Sutherland served as Sales and Account Manager for Berkshire Mountain Distillers. ... Read More

MARGRIT BIEVER MONDAVI, 91 The widow of California wine pioneer Robert G. Mondavi passed away on September 2. The Swiss-born Mondavi joined Robert Mondavi Winery in 1967, a year after it was founded. The Mondavis were among pioneering Napa Valley producers who helped turn the agricultural area northeast of San... Read More

STEVE MILLAR has joined the team as its newest Brand Ambassador. Millar’s responsibilities include sharing the story of Norman ‘Sailor Jerry’ Collins and the rum that bears his name though events, programs and partnerships on the East Coast. He has worked in the food and spirits business for over seven... Read More

BRETT HALE has been appointed Vice President for global public affairs. He replaces MATT STANTON, who left earlier this year for another position. Previously Hale was with Yum! Brands, where he was VP of global government relations and was responsible for conducting global government relations on behalf of the KFC,... Read More

SOPHIE KELLY has been named Senior Vice President of marketing for whiskey brands in North America. Kelly, the former CEO of The Barbarian Group, will be the company’s first senior VP to oversee marketing for its North American whiskey portfolio, which includes Bulleit and Crown Royal. The drinks company has... Read More

The drinks company has restructured its field commercial team to better align with its US distribution partners. The new structure consolidates seven business units into three regions, each led by a Vice-President/General Manager. MICHAEL FUCHS will lead the Eastern Region, GREG McCAULEY will lead the Western Region and JEFFREY COLBERT... Read More

MARGIE HEALY, Vice President at F. Korbel and Bros. in Guerneville, Sonoma County, has been elected Wine Institute Board Chairman for the 2O16-17 fiscal year. Other board officers elected were STEVE LOHR of J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines in San Jose, First Vice Chairman; CHRIS INDELICATO of Delicato Family Vineyards... Read More

JON PAGELER has been promoted from Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations to Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations. He is replacing GUY SMITH who is retiring after 17 years with Diageo.

DAVID KING has been appointed International Sales Director. In this position he will work to build sales of Gordon & MacPhail whiskies internationally with a particular focus on Benromach Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky. He has over 2O years’ experience in the drinks business, most recently was with Anchor Distilling... Read More