John Anthony Wine & Spirits Reworks Leadership To Support National Sales Strategy
John Anthony Wine & Spirits — which was founded in 2003 and includes such brands as John Anthony Vineyards, Butter Wines, Johnny Tejas, and Paso Robles — has made several leadership changes as part of a strategic realignment of its commercial sales organization.
In these roles, the new hires (all former Southern Glazer's employees) will help drive continued market expansion in the wine and spirits category. They will report to EVP of sales Art Pinn. The strategic hires will help support the company’s partnership with Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits and local distributors.
Commercial Sales Organization Leadership
Kent Shockey, who brings 30 years of experience in the alcohol beverage and grocery retail industries, has been named VP of chains. Shockey spent a decade with Southern Glazer’s and also worked with Safeway and Albertsons. He brings a comprehensive background in sales growth, strategic planning, and supplier relationships.
John Ruiz has also been named VP of chains. He joins the company from Lobos 1707 Tequila, where he served as regional VP and led sales and distribution for the Western U.S. business. Prior to that, he spent 20 years with Southern Glazer’s, including as divisional VP.
Michael Dehdashtian becomes the company’s SVP of national retail chains. Also with a background from Southern Galzer’s, where he spent 17 years of his career and was VP of strategy for California chains, Dehdashtian has extensive experience in chain account management and business strategy.
Adrian Ruiz has been named SVP of national retail chains. He brings 29 years of experience in wine and spirits, having spent his career at Southern Glazer’s as SVP of California chains. Ruiz will help strengthen the company's national retail strategy and expand its footprint in major chain accounts, using his experience in strategic sales planning and retail execution.
"Kent, John, Michael, and Adrian bring over 100 combined years of wines and spirits chain experience to our company," said founder and CEO John Anthony Truchard. "Expanding our bench of sales execution experience and talent with these senior industry leaders marks a pivotal moment for John Anthony Wine & Spirits.”
