By Mike Esterl
Beer, wine and spirits maker Constellation Brands Inc. has added
former Beam Inc. executive Bill Newlands to its senior
management.
Mr. Newlands will join Constellation Jan. 26 as chief growth
officer, reporting directly to Chief Executive Rob Sands, the
company announced Wednesday. He will be responsible for leading
corporate strategy and accelerating innovation in the newly created
position.
Victor, N.Y.-based Constellation has the U.S. distribution
rights to Corona, the leading U.S. beer import, and a wine
portfolio including Robert Mondavi and Clos du Bois. It also owns
Svedka vodka and Black Velvet Canadian whisky.
Mr. Newlands left Beam last year, after Japan's Suntory acquired
the company for $13.5 billion. He had joined Beam, the maker of Jim
Beam, Knob Creek and Maker's Mark bourbons, in 2005.
As head of Beam's North American business, Mr. Newlands was
credited with pushing the company into flavored whiskeys in recent
years, including the launch of Jim Beam Red Stag. Red Stag is
available in several flavors including black cherry, spiced
cinnamon and cider.
Mr. Newlands has three decades of experience in the alcohol
industry, previously working at Allied Domecq, Wine.com, LVMH and
E. & J. Gallo Winery.
Write to Mike Esterl at mike.esterl@wsj.com
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