Top Beverage Leadership Moves We’re Watching in December 2019

CHICAGO — Several leadership changes at Constellation Brands and Molson Coors topped this month’s news in beverage leadership moves.

Click through to find out who's leading the packaged-beverage industry ... 

Garth Hankinson has been promoted to executive vice president and CFO of Constellation Brands, Victor, N.Y. He will replace David Klein, who as of Jan. 13 will leave his role with the beverage company to become CEO of Canopy Growth Corp.

Hankinson joined Constellation in 2001 and has held a number of senior leadership positions, most recently senior vice president of corporate development.

Constellation also promoted Mallika Monteiro to the role of executive vice president and chief growth and strategy officer. Amy Martin was also promoted to vice president of corporate reputation and corporate social responsibility.

David Klein will become CEO of Canopy Growth, Smith Falls, Ontario, effective Jan. 14. He will replace Mark Zekulin, who is stepping down from the diversified cannabis, hemp and cannabis device company.

Klein has served on the Canopy Growth board for more than a year and currently leads the board.

Constellation acquired a 9.9% minority stake in Canopy Growth Corp. in 2017. About a year later, it expanded its investment in the company to about 38% ownership.

“David Klein is a first-rate leader and developer of talent who has made significant contributions to our company’s success,” said Bill Newlands, president and CEO of Constellation. “This is a great career opportunity for David and a great choice by Canopy Growth. As a major shareholder, we fully support this decision and look forward to seeing David and the Canopy team drive the company forward.”

Molson Coors is making leadership changes after the Chicago-based beverage company launched a revitalization plan that includes changing its name and consolidating its offices and leadership teams. 

The company is cutting about 400-500 employees and eliminating the role of president of the U.S. business.

Molson Coors has consolidated the Global, MillerCoors, Canadian and MCI leadership teams.

Team members include Adam Collins, chief communications and corporate affairs officer; Simon Cox, president and CEO of Molson Coors Europe; Kevin Doyle, president of U.S. sales; Brian Erhardt, chief supply chain officer; Rahul Goyal, chief strategy officer; Tracey Joubert, chief financial officer; Fred Landtmeters, president of Canada; Pete Marino, president of emerging growth; Dave Osswald, chief people and diversity officer; Lee Reichert, chief legal and government affairs officer; and Michelle St. Jacques, chief marketing officer.

Jill McDonald has replaced Dominic Paul as Costa Coffee’s CEO. Paul led the company through a growth phase, including the sale of Costa to The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta.

McDonald previously was managing director of clothing and home for London-based retailer Marks & Spencer. She also held three roles with McDonald’s Corp. from 2006 from 2015, where she was U.K. CEO and division president for North Europe.

Nestle Waters North America has appointed Vivek Bedi as executive vice president and CFO of the company. Bill Pearson will retire from the role Dec. 31.

Bedi previously was senior vice president of finance, control and investments at Nestle Waters North America and has been with the Stamford, Conn.-based company for more than 20 years.