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Constellation Brands has announced that its executive vice president and chief legal officer, Jim Bourdeau, will retire in February 2026 after more than a decade with the company.

Bourdeau joined Constellation – which produces, imports and distributes alcohol brands including Corona, Modelo and Robert Mondavi – in 2014 as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate development, playing a central role in the company’s transformational mergers and acquisitions, as well as its ongoing beer production expansion in Mexico. His tenure also saw significant shifts in Constellation’s strategy and brand portfolio evolution as the company strengthened its position in the US premium beverage market.

“Jim has been a trusted advisor and integral member of Constellation’s leadership team over the last decade,” said Bill Newlands, president and CEO of Constellation Brands. “His business acumen, legal expertise and commitment to strong governance have guided us through major periods of growth and change. We’re deeply grateful for his contributions and wish him all the best in retirement.”

Bourdeau will transition into an executive vice president and senior advisor role, supporting the executive team in long-term strategy and ensuring a smooth leadership hand-off. Jeff LaBarge, currently senior vice president and senior legal counsel, will succeed Bourdeau as executive vice president and chief legal officer, effective 1 March 2026.

LaBarge joined Constellation in 2016 as vice president, deputy general counsel, and has since taken on expanding leadership roles across the company’s legal operations. Before joining Constellation, he spent a decade at Nixon Peabody, where he was a partner leading the firm’s food, beverage and agriculture group with a focus on corporate law, M&A and business transactions.

“Jeff brings deep industry knowledge and a strategic understanding of our business,” Newlands said. “He’s played key roles in many of our company’s initiatives and investments and we’re confident in his ability to lead our legal function as we continue to drive growth.”

LaBarge added: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead Constellation’s legal and public affairs teams and look forward to building on the strong foundation Jim has established.”

Top image: © Constellation Brands