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Alcoholic beverage company Constellation Brands has appointed Sam Glaetzer as executive vice president and president of its wine and spirits business. Effective from 11 March 2024, Glaetzer succeeds Robert Hanson, who previously held the role. Glaetzer will also serve as a member of Constellation’s executive management committee. Glaetzer brings nearly 30 years of wine and spirits industry experience to the position. In 2014, he joined Constellation as managing director of the company’s New Zealand and Australia operations. Since joining the business, he has served in a number of leadership capacities in areas such as general management, international commercial sales, supply chain operations, product quality, new product development, acquisition integrations and divestitures. Most recently, he served in the role of senior VP of global operations and international sales. Constellation Brands produces and markets beer, wine and spirits internationally, with operations in the US, Mexico, New Zealand and Italy. Its portfolio of brands includes the Corona beer family, Kim Crawford wines and Casa Noble Tequila. Bill Newlands, Constellation’s president and CEO, said that Glaetzer is “uniquely equipped” to lead the company’s wine and spirits business following the development of its strategic portfolio transformation, focusing “more squarely towards strong commercial and operational execution”. He added: “Sam is a well-rounded senior leader with a wealth of experience in wine and spirits and a successful track record of driving commercial and operational efficiency and effectiveness”. Commenting on his appointment, Glaetzer said: “I’m excited about the opportunity to lead our wine and spirits team as we look to more fully capitalise on our portfolio transformation and accelerate the overall performance of this business going forward”. “We have a solid strategy and foundation for growth in place, and one of the most talented teams in the industry. I look forward to working with my colleagues across our Wine & Spirits Division, as well as our wholesaler and retailer partners, to realise our full potential in the years ahead.”