LINCROFT, N.J. — Stewart’s Enterprises Inc. appointed Tony Gaines to CEO of the beverage-alcohol company. Gaines, an experienced alcohol and consumer packaged goods (CPG) business leader, succeeds Peter Strahm.
Gaines has more than 25 years of experience in the industry at companies including Modesto, Calif.-based E&J Gallo Winery, St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch and Irvine, Calif.-based Advantage Sales and Marketing. Most recently, he was the CEO of a health and wellness company .
“The breadth and depth of Tony’s alcohol experience and knowledge is extraordinary. This coupled with his experience and success across all leadership positions puts Stewart’s Enterprises in a position for astronomical growth,” said Barrie Clapham, Stewart’s Enterprises chairman. “We are excited to see what our true potential looks like under his leadership.”
Stewart’s Enterprises, Lincroft, N.J., is a beverage-alcohol business that launched Stewart’s Spike Seltzer in February. It also will launch Hard Rock Seltzers in December under a global license.
“I am excited to be part of this amazing company with household name brands consumers recognize,” Gaines said. “Hard Rock is recognized around the world for having outstanding cocktails and a ‘Live Louder’ attitude. Stewart’s Root Beer and Orange Cream have been around for over 100 years, and the brand continues to be aspirational in the carbonated beverage field. Our launches of RTD (ready-to-drink) cocktails and hard sodas, coupled with the seltzer expansion, will be growth drivers for the industry.”
Gaines received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in 1991. He served eight years on the NACS Supplier Board, working with key retailers and CPG companies on success in the convenience channel.
Strahm will transition to a chief commercial officer position, focusing on U.S. operations and distributor execution.
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