Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits announces retirement of John Klein
US alcohol distributor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has announced the retirement of John Klein, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Pacific Northwest, effective at the end of 2023.
Klein has spent 35 years in the beverage alcohol industry, beginning his career in a sales role at Pepsi-Cola in New York before working in various sales and management positions at Heublein, now Diageo, from 1988 to 1994. Prior to beginning his career at Southern Wine & Spirits in November 2010, Klein served as President of Young’s Market Company. Here, Klein spent 15 years in various executive management positions of increasing responsibility, ultimately serving as the President.
During that period, Klein spent a considerable amount of time in the Pacific Northwest responsible for integrating joint ventures and acquiring wholesaler and brokerage operations, expanding the company from three to 10 states.
In addition to this current role at Southern Glazer’s, Klein serves as President and board member for the Association of Wine & Spirits Distributors, Washington and is a member of the Oregon Beer & Wine Distributors Association.
“John is leaving behind an impactful 13-year legacy at Southern Glazer’s,” said John Wittig, Chief Commercial Officer, Southern Glazer’s.
“His extensive expertise and exceptional interpersonal abilities have played a pivotal role in establishing the Company’s success in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. We’ll miss his presence on this team and will forever hold gratitude for the indelible mark he made in building out our Southern Glazer’s footprint in the Pacific Northwest.
“An announcement for John Klein’s replacement will be forthcoming. Klein will remain on the team to ensure a seamless transition and support the leader who will be succeeding him.”