MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Brad Vassar, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. (Southern), the nation’s leading wine and spirits distributor with operations in 35 states, announced today the appointment of John Trainer as Executive Vice President, General Manager–American Liberty Wine & Spirits, effective July 1. Trainer comes to Southern from Pernod Ricard USA (PR USA), where he currently serves as Vice President, General Manager for the Control Markets Division.
Trainer started in the wine and spirits industry at Heublein, Inc. in 1995. Throughout his 18-year career, he has worked across open, control, franchise and chain markets. He held a commercial strategy and operations role as National Director, Sales & Operations at PR USA headquarters from 2008-2009. Trainer also led a Route-to-Market (RTM) Reengineering Initiative for the company in 2011-2012 before taking on his current role.
Commenting on Trainer’s appointment, Vassar said, “John has been a transformational leader at PR USA. His successful leadership in the creation and execution of their RTM strategy in the U.S. will make for a seamless transition into this newly created sales and marketing role at Southern for the Pernod Ricard brands. As one of my direct reports, John will play an integral piece in the recently announced commercial organization. We look forward to welcoming him aboard.”
Trainer will also take on the sales and marketing responsibilities of current Southern Vice President, Supplier Executive for the PR USA portfolio, BJ Vorderer — who will return to PR USA as General Manager, Control Markets Division. “On behalf of the Southern executive team, I want to thank BJ for his hard work and dedication to Southern. We wish him success in his new role back at PR USA,” added Vassar.
Trainer concluded, “I’m honored to take on the American Liberty division general manager role at Southern Wine & Spirits. My industry background and latest experience at Pernod Ricard USA have prepared me well for this PR USA-focused role at Southern. I look forward to working with Southern’s leadership team and leveraging my sales and marketing expertise for the benefit of both companies.”
Trainer is a graduate of the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut. He resides in Hinsdale, Illinois with his wife and two sons.
About Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.
Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. (Southern) is the nation’s largest wine and spirits distributor and broker with operations in 35 markets. Southern currently operates in: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming. Southern also holds operating licenses and permits in Nebraska and Texas. On a national basis, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. employs more than 14,000 team members. Southern urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information about Southern and its responsible consumption program, see: http://www.southernwine.com.