Southern Glazer’s Beverage Co has created a new ‘gold division’ and hired AB InBev executive Glendal Vandenbempt to lead the unit.
The division has been created to oversee the Anheuser-Busch – the US unit of AB InBev – portfolio in all markets where Southern Glazer’s represents it. This includes Colorado, New York and 17 other -unspecified – markets.
Vandenbempt (below) will take up the position of MD of the new business unit on 5 October. He joins the distributor following 15 years at AB InBev, latterly as VP of business and wholesaler development.
Southern Glazer’s commercial sales president Mark Chaplin said: “We’re excited to welcome Glendal to our team and to see him step into this crucial role supporting the Anheuser-Busch portfolio in New York, Colorado and 17 other markets, where his leadership will be instrumental in advancing our partnership with Anheuser-Busch while supporting the broader gold division business across these key markets.
“He brings a strong track record of collaboration, customer focus, and results-driven leadership. I know he will be a tremendous resource for our teams and partners, and I look forward to working with him as we continue building on our success together.”
In March, Southern Glazer’s acquired Colorado’s Eagle Rock Distributing Co and Long Island distributor Clare Rose, both of which handle Anheuser-Busch’s stable in their respective states. Last year, the Florida-headquartered company also reached an agreement to purchase AB InBev’s owned distribution business in New York City, which operates as Southern Glazer’s Beverage Co of New York.
