Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Announces Retirement of Steve Harden, Executive Vice President and General Manager, California

MIAMI & DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits (Southern Glazer's)—the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol—today announced the retirement of Steve Harden, Executive Vice President and General Manager, California, effective January 1, 2023.

“Steve is leaving behind a tremendous 33-year legacy at Southern Glazer’s,” said Patrick Daul, President, Western Region, Southern Glazer’s. “His profound experience, tremendous people skills, and servant leadership have been instrumental in building the Company’s success in California and beyond. We’ll miss having him on this team and will be forever grateful for his impact.”

Mr. Harden began his career with Southern Glazer’s in 1989 as a Sacramento Chain Account Executive and was appointed to General Manager, Sacramento Division two years later. Mr. Harden worked in various sales positions of increasing responsibility at Southern Glazer’s, including Northern California General Manager and Senior Vice President and General Manager, Northern California. Prior to his most current role, he served as Executive Vice President, Sales, California.

“Steve has been a key member of our team for more than three decades,” said Wayne E. Chaplin, Chief Executive Officer, Southern Glazer’s. “He has set a high standard and created a culture in California that has set the tone for others to follow. We are so thankful for all of the creativity he brought to Southern Glazer’s and are lucky that he spent his incredible career with us. He will be missed by all of us, especially me.”

“Not only has Steve consistently delivered results for our customers and suppliers, he also models what it means to be a great leader,” said John Wittig, Chief Commercial Officer, Southern Glazer’s. “We wish Steve nothing but health and happiness in his retirement.”

An announcement for Mr. Harden’s replacement will be forthcoming. Mr. Harden will work closely with his successor to ensure a seamless transition.

About Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, and proud to be a multi-generational, family-owned company. The Company has operations in 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. In 2022, Southern Glazer’s was listed as one of Forbes Best Employers for Diversity. In 2021, Southern Glazer’s was selected as a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, as well as named by Newsweek as a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @sgwinespirits.