JOHN ANTHONY WINE & SPIRITS EXPANDS COMMERCIAL SALES ORGANIZATION

Strategic Realignment Adds Industry Veteran Sales Leaders to the John Anthony Wine & Spirits Sales Operation

NAPA, Calif., March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- John Anthony Wine & Spirits proudly announces the strategic realignment of its commercial sales organization with the addition of four industry veteran sales leaders to the company's Commercial Sales Organization. This move reinforces John Anthony Wine & Spirits commitment to growth, best-in-class sales execution, and strengthening its national partnership with Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits (SGWS) and select local distributors. By adopting a nationally aligned sales strategy, John Anthony Wine & Spirits enhances collaboration, fosters dynamic distributor partnerships, and reinforces its dedication to innovative brand development—positioning the company for accelerated growth in the evolving wine and spirits landscape.

"Expanding our bench of sales execution experience and talent with these senior industry leaders marks a pivotal moment for John Anthony Wine & Spirits," says John Anthony Truchard, Founder & CEO of John Anthony Wine & Spirits. "We remain deeply committed to our partners and dedicated to driving innovation, setting new standards in the wine and spirits industry—this strategic realignment embodies that vision."

John Anthony Wine & Spirits is thrilled to welcome a distinguished team of industry veterans to its Commercial Sales Organization under the leadership of Art Pinn, Executive Vice President of Sales:

Kent Shockey, Vice President of Chains – Shockey is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in the alcohol beverage and grocery retail sectors, including a decade at SGWS. His strong background in sales growth, strategic planning, and supplier relationships from his time at Safeway Inc. and Albertsons, make him well-equipped to drive John Anthony Wine & Spirits continued expansion.

John Ruiz, Vice President of Chains – A well-respected veteran of the wine and spirits industry with extensive distributor and supplier experience, John Ruiz spent 20 years at SGWS, where he rose to Divisional VP, before joining Lobos 1707 Tequila as Regional VP, leading sales and distribution in the Western U.S. John has built his career by fostering strong customer relationships and driving market expansion.

Michael Dehdashtian, Senior Vice President, National Retail Chains – With 24 years of experience in the beverage alcohol industry, including 17 years with SGWS, Dehdashtian played a key role in chain account management and business strategy, most recently rising to VP of Strategy for California Chains at SGWS. Michael's deep expertise in retail execution and category management makes him an integral part of John Anthony Wine & Spirits' expansion efforts.

Adrian Ruiz, Senior Vice President, National Retail Chains – Ruiz brings 29 years of experience in the wine and spirits industry with SGWS. His career has focused on sales and merchandising in the California retail chain market, culminating in his role as SVP California Chains. With extensive experience in strategic sales planning and retail execution, Ruiz will play a key role in strengthening the company's national retail strategy and expanding its footprint in major chain accounts.

"Today marks a significant milestone for John Anthony Wine & Spirits as we elevate our capabilities and sales execution nationally," says James Bradney, Chief Revenue & Growth Officer of John Anthony Wine & Spirits. "With the addition of these top-tier industry leaders, we are poised to build the most effective brand-building and sales execution team in the wine and spirits industry. We look forward to working alongside our distribution partners and customers to drive exceptional growth for years to come."

With this enhanced sales leadership team, John Anthony Wine & Spirits is positioned for unprecedented growth, setting new benchmarks in brand development. Already a leader in the premium Chardonnay segment with Butter Chardonnay—the number two selling premium Chardonnay¹—the company is now focused on establishing Butter Wines as the fastest-growing wine brand in the industry through several new line extensions. John Anthony Wine & Spirits is further leveraging its resources and expertise to expand new brands, including the highly-rated Serial Wines of Paso Robles, the exceptional Weather Wines of the Sonoma Coast, and innovative Johnny Tejas Ranch Water made with authentic, NOM-designated Blanco Tequila—already elevating the Tequila soda RTD category. The portfolio also features Hachidori Japanese Sake crafted by Master of Sake, Stuart Morris, now rolling out in select markets. John Anthony Wine & Spirits' inaugural, signature brand John Anthony Vineyards Napa Valley will shortly release its 20^th vintage, celebrating where founders Michele and John Anthony Truchard started their incredible journey in the wine and spirits business.

"Kent, John, Michael and Adrian bring over 100 combined years of wines and spirits chain experience to our company," added John Anthony Truchard. "Bringing all four of these industry leaders on board at the same time is a fantastic milestone for John Anthony Wine & Spirits. The companies that win in both good times and tough times are those with the absolute right products and right sales execution. These individuals embody the idea of best-in-class sales execution, and I'm excited and honored they chose to join our team."

About John Anthony Wine & Spirits

Founder John Anthony Truchard started John Anthony Wine & Spirits in 2003 with signature Napa Valley wine brand, John Anthony Vineyards, which continues to receive critical acclaim today. The company has experienced significant growth creating several wine brands including popular Butter Wines, which disrupted the wine aisle with its quality and simplicity—receiving multi-year Hot Brand and Blue Chip Brand awards; Serial Wines, Paso Robles—a quality series of killer wines from this thrilling region; and Weather Wines, Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs from Sonoma Coast. John Anthony Wine & Spirits expansion beyond wine began with Johnny Tejas, a real-Tequila soda RTD; continues with new Japanese Sake brand, Hachidori; and more offerings to come. Graced with a vision to become the next billion dollar beverage company, the company continues to expand its portfolio in key growth sectors building on four core pillars: Authenticity of products we believe in: Application of craftsmanship; Prioritization of "Great Flavor First"; and Growth through anticipation and innovation. Learn more at JohnAnthonyWS.com.

¹Source: Nielsen, Chardonnay, $13+, 750mL, 01.27.24, 52 week, Total US xAOC

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SOURCE John Anthony Wine & Spirits