VICTOR, N.Y. -- Constellation Brands Inc., the importer of Corona and Modelo beers, among other alcohol drinks, has named a new chief executive officer. Bill Newlands will assume the role of president and CEO on March 1, 2019, succeeding current CEO Rob Sands. Sands at that time will take the role of executive chair of the company.
“Since joining Constellation Brands in 2015, Bill has made a significant impact on our company, finding ways to leverage our unique capabilities as a leading total beverage alcohol provider to meet consumers’ evolving needs and accelerate growth,” Sands said. “Bill understands what it takes to succeed in this rapidly evolving market, and he’s the right person to lead our company going forward.”
Newlands joined Constellation Brands, based in Victor, N.Y., in 2015 as executive vice president and chief growth officer. In 2016, he assumed additional responsibilities as president of the company’s Wine & Spirits Division. In 2017, Newlands became the company’s chief operating officer, and he assumed the role of president in early 2018. Prior to joining Constellation Brands, Newlands held several senior leadership roles in the beverage alcohol industry, spanning more than 30 years.
“Bill has a deep understanding and appreciation for the values that have made Constellation Brands one of the top performing S&P 500 companies,” said Richard Sands, Constellation Brands’ executive chair. “I look forward to the continued success of our company under Bill’s leadership.”
“I am honored to be selected as Constellation Brands’ next CEO,” Newlands said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for the leadership Rob, Richard and Marvin Sands provided over the years. I look forward to working with Rob, Richard, our board of directors and the Constellation Brands team to ensure we continue building on the momentum our company has gained in the marketplace for many years to come.”
Newlands will work with Rob Sands over the coming months to ensure a smooth leadership transition once these changes become effective in March, the company said.
Photograph: Shutterstock
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