Category: Personnel

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Heaven Hill Brands Announces Appointment of Elayne Duff as Global Director of Advocacy

Heaven Hill Brands today announced the appointment of Elayne Duff as the new Global Director of Advocacy. In this pivotal role, Duff will lead Heaven Hill’s strategic efforts to influence the trade on behalf of its brands through education, relationship building and strategic trade and consumer activations in key markets around the world.

Duff, previously the Director of Advocacy for Samson and Surrey, brings over 20 years of experience in the spirits industry to, now, the full Heaven Hill portfolio of beloved brands. Renowned for her expertise, Duff was the first head mixologist and luxury spirits ambassador at Diageo U.S.A. She has also showcased her talents on the popular TV show, Bar Rescue, and achieved notable milestones such as graduating from the rigorous W.S.E.T. Level 3 & B.A.R 5 Day program.

Duff’s impressive career includes serving as the Global Manager of experiential events and education at Ab-InBev’s Craft Beer Division, Z.X. Ventures. As an entrepreneur, she founded the highly successful “Beverage B.A. Academy,” an in-demand online training program for Brand Ambassadors. She also hosts the podcast “Celebrating the Brand Ambassador.”

“Elayne is a force within the hospitality industry and we are thrilled to expand her oversight across the full Heaven Hill portfolio,” said Kate Latts, Co-President of Heaven Hill Brands. “Her extensive experience and remarkable achievements in the spirits industry make her the perfect fit for leading our advocacy efforts. We are confident that her leadership will further strengthen our relationships within the industry and drive our brands to new heights.”

As the Global Director of Advocacy, Duff will work closely across the functions of brand teams, sales and operations to align efforts for advocacy. Duff will supervise the brand ambassador and commercial specialist teams based around the US and key international cities. Her role will focus on building strong relationships with key industry influencers and executing both trade and consumer-facing events on behalf of Heaven Hill’s beloved brands.

“Heaven Hill has a rich history and an exceptional portfolio of brands,” said Duff. “I am excited to bring the full depth of the portfolio under our advocacy strategy and look forward to working with the team to continue building strong programs that will elevate our brands and engage our partners around the world.”

MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Newcomb
Heaven Hill Brands 
lnewcomb@heavenhill.com

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Heaven Hill Brands Announces New Leadership Appointments, Names Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Production Officer

Heaven Hill Brands, the largest independent, family-owned and led distilled spirits supplier, announced today the appointment of two world-class executives to the leadership team.

Veteran human resources executive Tony Georges joins Heaven Hill as its new Chief Human Resources Officer, overseeing all aspects of HR strategy and staffing, aligning them with the company’s overall business objectives. With over three decades of experience in HR leadership, as well as operations and IT roles, Georges brings a wealth of diverse experience, knowledge, and expertise to the Heaven Hill team.

Most recently, Georges served as Vice President, Human Resources for UPS Airlines based in Louisville, Ky. In this capacity, he was responsible for a broad range of areas, including talent management and acquisition, compensation and benefits, and employee engagement. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to building high-performing teams and creating an environment where employees can thrive and succeed.

Proven operations leader Josh Anderson joins Heaven Hill as its new Chief Production Officer, overseeing all aspects of operations and manufacturing, providing strategic direction and leadership to achieve the overall business strategy. Anderson is an inspirational leader with a remarkable 25 years of experience in operations, plant management, technical services, continuous improvement, and engineering within the consumer-packaged goods industry.

Anderson spent the last four years with Brown-Forman, where he was Vice President of Manufacturing overseeing 11 of the company’s manufacturing facilities. He also recently served as Global Vice President of Technical Services responsible for corporate engineering, packaging engineering, quality assurance, corporate safety, and environmental and sustainability compliance. Prior to Brown-Forman, Anderson spent over two decades at General Mills in a variety of leadership roles with increasing authority.

Importantly, both will serve as members of Heaven Hill’s Executive Leadership Team, responsible for evolving and implementing the company’s strategic business plan, positioning them for future growth.

“Tony and Josh are experienced, people-driven leaders who know how to achieve results and build a best-in-class organization,” said Kate Latts, Co-President of Heaven Hill Brands. “Their proven track record of driving organizational effectiveness and empowering high performance will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve as a company. “

Georges holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Workforce Development and Training from the University of Louisville. For the last eight years, Georges has been a Board Member for KentuckianaWorks where he recently served as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Also, for the last four years Georges served as a Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board Member and on the Board of Directors for the Leadership Louisville Center.

Anderson holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also deeply committed to community service, having served on the boards of The United Way, Books from Birth, and the Newton County, GA Chamber of Commerce. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Fund for The Arts in Louisville.

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Heaven Hill Brands Elevates Third Generation of Family Leadership; CMO Kate Latts and COO Allan Latts Named Co-Presidents

Longstanding President Max Shapira to Serve as Executive Chairman

Heaven Hill, America’s largest independent, family-owned and led distilled spirits supplier, celebrates the succession of its third generation of family leadership with the appointment of Kate Latts and Allan Latts as co-Presidents, effective September 1. Current President Max L. Shapira will be assuming the new role of Executive Chairman.

Since joining the company in 2001, Kate and Allan have been transformational leaders driving Heaven Hill’s accelerated growth. In their new roles as co-presidents, they will continue to pursue Heaven Hill’s strategic growth plans and corporate vision working collaboratively on all key decisions. Max will transition day to day operational oversight of the business to Kate and Allan.

“Over the past twenty years, I have been proud to watch Kate and Allan grow and develop into roles of leadership and increased responsibility,” said Max L. Shapira. “They have added immeasurably to the company’s successes and built a foundation for future generations. They bring the passion for this business that has been a hallmark of our company for 85 plus years. I am highly confident the best is yet to come.”

Max joined the family enterprise in 1970 after a stint on Wall Street. He had the opportunity to work alongside his father Ed Shapira, ultimately succeeding him in leadership of the company in 1986. Under Max’s leadership, Heaven Hill developed into a global company with an award-winning portfolio of brands across a broad range of product categories and is now one of the industry’s largest and most successful companies. In his new role of Executive Chairman, he will provide partnership and counsel on the strategic direction of the business as well as actively leverage his extensive relationships and industry experience in support of the company’s long-term growth goals.

Kate Latts, Max’s daughter, and her husband, Allan Latts, joined Heaven Hill in 2001. After completing their undergraduate and MBA degrees at Duke University, Kate and Allan then joined Procter & Gamble with careers in marketing and finance, respectively. Today, Kate leads the company’s marketing and brand management functions as Chief Marketing Officer.  Allan serves as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing operations, the company’s corporate functions, strategy and the newly acquired Samson & Surrey division.

“Allan and I are proud to assume the leadership of Heaven Hill with full knowledge of our generational responsibility. My dad, grandfather and his brothers built a company with an enduring legacy of family and independence that is increasingly unique in distilled spirits,” said Kate Latts. “With the support of our incredible team, we are as committed as ever to preserving those qualities and ensuring our success for generations to come.”

Heaven Hill will immediately begin its search to identify a new Chief Marketing Officer, while the Chief Operating Officer position will not be backfilled.

About Heaven Hill Brands 

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur, plus the newly-acquired Samson & Surrey portfolio.  

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.” 

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Media Contact:
Lauren Newcomb
Heaven Hill
lnewcomb@heavenhill.com

Images: Download here.

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Heaven Hill Brands Appoints Andy Shapira Vice President External Business Development

Heaven Hill Brands has named Andy Shapira Vice President of External Business Development. In the new role, Andy will be responsible for pursuing strategic acquisitions and providing the company and its Executive Leadership Team with insight about emerging market conditions.

As beverage alcohol evolves and diversifies, the future of suppliers will require creative views of business strategy and route-to-market. The role will capitalize on Andy’s work over the last twenty years combining his investment banking, relationship-driven experience with his knowledge of distilled spirits industry trends and innovations.

“Heaven Hill’s success over our 85-year history is built on our ability to identify and capitalize on industry trends,” said Max L. Shapira, President of Heaven Hill Brands. “Andy’s new role will ensure that Heaven Hill remains an enduring, family-owned company for generations ahead.”

Andy resides in Louisville, Ky. with his wife, Kristin, and three daughters.

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Heaven Hill donates nearly $28,000 to Project Hope

Last week, Heaven Hill presented a check from proceeds raised for its annual philanthropy project to Project Hope— totaling a near $28,000 donation. Foundation staff including Flaget Memorial Hospital Foundation President Leslie Smart, Hospital President Jennifer Nolan, Dr. Monte Martin, nurses, survivors, and Heaven Hill employees were all in attendance. The event was captured by PLG-TV and the Kentucky Standard.

Project Hope is the Flaget Memorial Hospital Foundation’s mission to raise $1.1 million for one of the most critical projects in Nelson and surrounding counties, an expanded cancer center. In a community where so many Heaven Hill employees, this project could touch the lives of several Heaven Hill employees and their loved ones. 

Annually, Heaven Hill selects one non-profit organization from employee submissions to be the recipient of company-wide fundraising efforts and will match total monies raised up to $5,000.

This year’s project goal was to raise at least $10,000 so that the ‘Employees of Heaven Hill’ could attain naming rights to a chemotherapy infusion room in the expanded Cancer Center. Ultimately, employees surpassed the set goal and Heaven Hill donated an additional $10,000 on their behalf to honor their benevolent contributions and passion for the project.

Now the ‘Employees of Heaven Hill’ will attain the naming rights to two exam rooms in the expanded cancer center servicing both chemo and radiation patients.

Additionally, Heaven Hill helped align a partnership between Hope Scarves and Flaget Memorial Hospital allowing $2,000 of the total donation to go toward scarves for the hospital’s resource center. 

Heaven Hill is proud to host an employee-driven and collaborative fundraising project that benefits charities close to its employees’ hearts. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s program a success. 

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Deep Eddy Vodka Names Matthew Pechman Vice President of Marketing

Austin, Tx. – Matthew Pechman has been named vice president of Marketing for Deep Eddy Vodka. In his role, Pechman oversees all marketing efforts for one of the fastest-growing spirits brands in the United States. He is responsible for the leadership, development and execution of marketing strategy, programming and innovation for the entire Deep Eddy portfolio. He will report to John Scarborough, president of Deep Eddy Vodka.

Pechman joins Deep Eddy with a wealth of distilled spirits experience. Most recently, he served as Vice-President, Marketing and Innovation at Infinium Spirits responsible for all marketing and innovation across the portfolio of high-growth brands including annual operating plans, consumer communications and programming. He also served key corporate and brand positions with Diageo including Crown Royal Canadian Whisky and Tanqueray Gin.

“Matthew joins the Deep Eddy team with tremendous experience growing large-scale, dynamic brands through effective and innovative marketing programs,” said John Scarborough, President of Deep Eddy Vodka. “We are excited for him to apply that experience and creative approach to our brand, and build on the strong foundation we have established in the market.”

A graduate of The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, he also received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. Pechman will be based out of Austin with his wife, Angela, and their family.

Born in Austin, Deep Eddy Vodka is ten times distilled and handcrafted in small batches using only premium ingredients. Since the brand’s launch, Deep Eddy Vodka has grown to over 1 million cases in 2016 and continues to invigorate the vodka category with its innovative approach to classic flavors with real ingredients.

Deep Eddy Vodka (70-80 proof), a premium spirits company based in Austin, Texas, is The Spirits Business 2017 Brand Champion for Vodka. As a recipient of the Impact Hot Brand Award for two straight years and Beverage Information Group Growth Brand Award each of the past three years, Deep Eddy Vodka is recognized for its unique production process and incorporation of real, natural ingredients in its flavors. Born in Austin Tx., Deep Eddy Vodka is ten times distilled and handcrafted in small batches using only premium ingredients. The company’s line of products include: Deep Eddy Straight Vodka, Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, Deep Eddy Ruby Red, Deep Eddy Cranberry, Deep Eddy Lemon, Deep Eddy Peach and Deep Eddy Orange. Deep Eddy Vodka is available in stores in all 50 states. More information on the company can be found at www.deepeddyvodka.com or www.facebook.com/deepeddyvodka.

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Heaven Hill Brands Names Jacob Sabel Southeast Region Manager

BARDSTOWN, KY. – Heaven Hill Brands is pleased to announce that Jacob Sabel has been named Southeast Region Manager. In this role, Sabel will manage wholesaler and broker relations, as well as Heaven Hill Area Managers for Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi. He will report to Jim Cotter, Select Division Manager.

Sabel joined Heaven Hill in 2012 as Georgia Area Manager. He brought with him over five years of industry experience from Sovereign Brands, where he held the position of Southeast Regional Manager most recently. He also held positions at Atlanta Beverage Company/Anheuser-Busch.

“Jacob’s extensive industry knowledge and enthusiasm for Heaven Hill continue to serve us well, and we’re thrilled to have him take on this leadership role,” said Cotter.

Sabel has an undergraduate degree from Indiana University and master’s degree from the University of North Texas. He resides in Atlanta with his wife Jennifer.

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Deep Eddy Vodka; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

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Heaven Hill Brands Names Rachel Machkowsky Northeast Regional Manager

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands is pleased to announce that Rachel Machkowsky has been named Northeast Regional Manager. In this role, Machkowsky will manage wholesaler relationships in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as Heaven Hill Brands Area Managers for this region. She will report to Jim Cotter, Select Division Manager.

Machkowsky joined Heaven Hill in 2007 as On-Premise Area Manager for Massachusetts and Rhode Island. She expanded her role in 2013 after being named Northeast Area Manager covering Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

“Rachel’s passion for Heaven Hill and knowledge of the industry continue to serve us well and we’re excited to have her lead in this new role,” said Cotter.

Machkowsky is a graduate of Westfield State University, where she majored in Communications with a minor in Sociology. She resides in Framingham, Mass.

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Deep Eddy Vodka; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

CONTACT: 
Lauren Cherry
Communications Coordinator
Heaven Hill Brands
(502) 413-0217
lcherry@heavenhill.com
www.heavenhill.com

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Randy Strand Named North Central Division Manager for Heaven Hill Brands

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands is pleased to announce that Randy Strand has been named North Central Division Manager. In this role, Strand will manage Region and Area Managers, as well as wholesaler execution of our business strategies for Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. He will report to Steve Feller, Vice President, North American Sales. This newly created position comes amidst a reconfiguration of Heaven Hill sales staff to address new opportunities out of the Southern-Glazer’s Wine & Spirits merger and other spirits industry changes.

An industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, Strand came to Heaven Hill in 2013 as Indiana Regional Manager. Previously he was Regional Manager for Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits. He has also worked in similar positions with Joseph E. Seagram & Sons and Schieffelin & Sommerset.

“Randy has an extensive background in our industry and we are excited to have him continue to lead our growing sales team,” said Steve Feller, Vice President, North American Sales.

Strand is a graduate of Michigan State University. He resides in Carmel, IN.

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Deep Eddy Vodka; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

CONTACT: 
Lauren Cherry
Communications Coordinator
Heaven Hill Brands
(502) 413-0217
lcherry@heavenhill.com
www.heavenhill.com

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Heaven Hill Brands Celebrates its 80th Anniversary by Giving Back

FOR RELEASE: For Immediate Release

Heaven Hill Brands Celebrates its 80th Anniversary by Giving Back

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands, the country’s largest family-owned and -operated distilled spirits company, is celebrating 80 years of success this year by giving back. To thank the community for being a valued partner over the last eight decades, Heaven Hill is planning a philanthropic effort, with the help of its employees.

Starting July 17, Heaven Hill will draw names of employees each Friday, for a total of 80 names, all leading up to an Employee Appreciation event on Sept. 12 at Heaven Hill corporate headquarters in Bardstown, Ky. Heaven Hill will donate $80 to a charity of those people’s choosing. In total, 80 employees will give $80 each to 80 charitable causes.

“We wanted to thank our employees for their hard work, as well as thank the community for 80 years of support,” said Max Shapira, Heaven Hill Brands President.

Additionally, the company is asking each employee to bring a canned good or other food item to the Employee Appreciation event. The collected items will be weighed with the goal of reaching 380 pounds of food that will be donated to a local food pantry serving those in need.

“This is another way for all of us here to celebrate all our achievements so far by giving back,” Shapira said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the company and how far we’ve come since my father and his brothers started it. Eighty years of success is just the beginning.”

The company kicked off its yearlong 80th anniversary celebration by unveiling a new corporate name, Heaven Hill Brands, and a new logo that captures the company’s evolution from a leader in American Whiskey production – a position it continues to hold today – to the nation’s sixth-largest distilled spirits supplier.

Through internal product development and strategic brand acquisitions, Heaven Hill has built on its foundation of American Whiskeys to become a broadly diversified supplier of whiskeys, liqueurs, vodkas, rums and other spirits.

Heaven Hill’s portfolio includes the world’s second-largest selling Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, and category leaders Christian Brothers Brandy, Burnett’s Vodka and Admiral Nelson’s Rum. The portfolio also includes a growing line of leading imported brands from around the world, such as Hpnotiq and Domaine de Canton liqueurs. Likewise, the company has a stable of innovative brands including PAMA Liqueur, Blackheart Spiced Rum and Evan Williams Flavors.

About Heaven Hill Brands: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons, Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

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CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Brands
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com 

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