US: Southern Wine & Spirits of America appoints Indiana boss

Southern Wine & Spirits of America has appointed Gerald P. Rivero, Jr as the executive vice president, general manager of the company's emerging statewide operation in Indiana. Rivero's appointment is effective 1 May.

Wayne E. Chaplin, president and chief operating officer, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, said: "As part of our long-term strategy, we are now focused on building a strong and highly-experienced statewide management, sales and operations team for Indiana.

"Gerry's appointment is a key part of our unceasing commitment to bring the highest levels of talent to our markets of operation, ensuring superior brand-building excellence, customer service and operational efficiency to our supplier and customer partners across the State of Indiana."

Prior to Rivero's appointment in Indiana, he served as vice president, general manager for Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida's Coastal Wine & Spirits selling division. Rivero was promoted to this position in 2004. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Montevallo in Birmingham, Alabama.

Southern said its soon-to-be-selected, Indiana-based property will serve as the preferred location for Southern's next state-of-the-art distribution facility. Details for the planned 200,000+ square foot office and warehouse distribution centre are not yet finalised but site definition and facility design are underway.