Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, human capital, sales operations, and regional market management.

Committed to excellence in distribution, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits delivers comprehensive wine and spirits solutions while maintaining a robust national footprint across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Wayne Chaplin
  • Chief Financial Officer - John Privitera
  • Chief Operating Officer, Sales - Mike Simpkins
  • President of Wines - Steven Ziner
  • President, Region (East) - Patrick Cassidy
  • President, Region, Control States - Kirt Clemens
  • President, West Region - Lewis Kenrick
  • President & Owner - Tom Stang
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Amy Kickham
  • Chief Sales & Marketing Officer - Gene Sullivan
  • Wayne Chaplin - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Wayne Chaplin, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, directs the overarching corporate strategy for the national distribution network. This executive manages high-level relationships with global suppliers and oversees the integration of complex supply chain logistics. By aligning organizational goals with market demands, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent growth across the entire portfolio. Wayne Chaplin maintains a focus on long-term value creation while navigating the regulatory landscape of the wine and spirits industry. Through rigorous oversight of operational performance, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives efficiency and maintains the competitive edge of the organization. This leadership role requires constant engagement with the Board to refine business models and expand market reach. Ultimately, Chaplin secures the financial health and operational integrity of the enterprise through decisive leadership and strategic foresight.
    Wayne Chaplin

    John Privitera - Chief Financial Officer

    John Privitera, the Chief Financial Officer at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the national distributor. This executive oversees financial planning, accounting operations, and risk management frameworks to support sustainable growth. By analyzing market trends and internal performance metrics, the Chief Financial Officer provides the data-driven insights necessary for informed decision-making across all departments. John Privitera coordinates with other C-suite leaders to optimize resource distribution and ensure alignment with corporate objectives. This role involves maintaining rigorous compliance standards while driving profitability through cost-efficiency initiatives. By monitoring cash flow and investment opportunities, the Chief Financial Officer strengthens the balance sheet against industry volatility. Privitera ensures that financial systems remain scalable to accommodate the expansive operational needs of the company, thereby supporting the long-term stability of the entire organization.

    Mike Simpkins - Chief Operating Officer, Sales

    Mike Simpkins, the Chief Operating Officer, Sales at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, directs the execution of national sales strategies and field operations. This executive oversees the alignment of sales teams with supplier objectives to maximize market penetration across the United States. By optimizing the sales funnel and refining distribution processes, the Chief Operating Officer, Sales ensures that products reach retail and hospitality partners with maximum efficiency. Mike Simpkins collaborates with regional leadership to implement standardized sales protocols while allowing for local market customization. This role involves monitoring sales performance metrics and adjusting tactics to meet shifting consumer preferences. By driving operational excellence within the sales division, the Chief Operating Officer, Sales supports the overall revenue growth of the company. Simpkins ensures that the sales force remains equipped with the tools and data necessary to maintain a dominant position in the competitive wine and spirits landscape.

    Steven Ziner - President of Wines

    Steven Ziner, the President of Wines at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, architects the specialized strategy for the company's extensive wine portfolio. This executive oversees the procurement, marketing, and distribution of premium wine brands across the national network. By cultivating relationships with global vintners and managing inventory logistics, the President of Wines ensures that the company maintains a diverse and high-quality selection for retail and hospitality clients. Steven Ziner collaborates with sales leadership to tailor wine programs to specific regional market needs. This role involves analyzing consumer trends to identify growth opportunities within the wine category. By driving brand awareness and optimizing the supply chain for wine products, the President of Wines supports the overall market impact of the organization. Ziner ensures that the wine division remains responsive to the sophisticated demands of the market, thereby securing a leading position in the industry.

    Patrick Cassidy - President, Region (East)

    Patrick Cassidy, the President, Region (East) at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, directs all operational and sales activities across the eastern United States. This executive oversees the management of regional distribution centers and ensures that local sales teams meet performance targets. By coordinating with national leadership, the President, Region (East) implements corporate strategies while addressing the unique regulatory and market conditions of the eastern territory. Patrick Cassidy manages relationships with key retail and hospitality accounts to drive volume and market share. This role involves optimizing logistics and supply chain operations to ensure timely delivery and service excellence. By fostering a high-performance culture within the regional team, the President, Region (East) supports the overall growth objectives of the company. Cassidy ensures that the eastern region remains a cornerstone of the national distribution network through consistent operational execution and strategic market engagement.
    Patrick Cassidy

    Kirt Clemens - President, Region, Control States

    Kirt Clemens, the President, Region, Control States at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, directs the specialized operations required for navigating the unique regulatory environments of control states. This executive oversees the complex brokerage and distribution processes necessary to operate within these specific jurisdictions. By managing relationships with state agencies and ensuring strict compliance with local laws, the President, Region, Control States maintains the operational integrity of the company in these markets. Kirt Clemens collaborates with national leadership to adapt business models to the specific requirements of each control state. This role involves optimizing supply chain logistics and sales strategies to maximize efficiency in a highly regulated landscape. By driving performance in these challenging markets, the President, Region, Control States supports the national reach of the organization. Clemens ensures that the company remains a preferred partner for suppliers and state authorities alike through meticulous operational management.
    Kirt Clemens

    Lewis Kenrick - President, West Region

    Lewis Kenrick, the President, West Region at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, directs all operational and sales activities across the western United States. This executive oversees the management of regional distribution centers and ensures that local sales teams meet performance targets. By coordinating with national leadership, the President, West Region implements corporate strategies while addressing the unique regulatory and market conditions of the western territory. Lewis Kenrick manages relationships with key retail and hospitality accounts to drive volume and market share. This role involves optimizing logistics and supply chain operations to ensure timely delivery and service excellence. By fostering a high-performance culture within the regional team, the President, West Region supports the overall growth objectives of the company. Kenrick ensures that the western region remains a cornerstone of the national distribution network through consistent operational execution and strategic market engagement.

    Tom Stang - President & Owner

    Tom Stang, the President & Owner at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, directs the long-term vision and governance of the family-owned enterprise. This executive oversees the preservation of corporate values and the strategic direction of the company's national distribution business. By maintaining a focus on sustainable growth and legacy, the President & Owner ensures that the organization remains a leader in the wine and spirits industry. Tom Stang collaborates with the executive team to evaluate major investment opportunities and structural changes that impact the future of the business. This role involves representing the company to key stakeholders and ensuring that the organizational culture remains aligned with the founding principles. By providing high-level guidance and oversight, the President & Owner supports the stability and continued success of the enterprise. Stang ensures that the company remains well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the modern market while upholding its commitment to excellence.

    Amy Kickham - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Amy Kickham, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, architects the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies for the national workforce. This executive oversees employee engagement, performance management, and leadership training programs to foster a high-performance culture. By aligning human capital initiatives with the broader business goals of the distributor, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization attracts and retains top-tier talent. Amy Kickham collaborates with executive leadership to implement diversity and inclusion policies that reflect the diverse markets served by the company. This role involves managing complex labor relations and ensuring that internal policies support operational efficiency across all regions. By optimizing workforce planning and professional development, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational agility. Kickham maintains a focus on building a resilient, motivated team capable of navigating the evolving demands of the wine and spirits industry.

    Gene Sullivan - Chief Sales & Marketing Officer

    Gene Sullivan, the Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, directs the integrated marketing and sales initiatives that drive brand visibility and revenue. This executive oversees the development of promotional campaigns and the implementation of data-driven sales strategies across the national footprint. By aligning marketing efforts with sales objectives, the Chief Sales & Marketing Officer ensures that the company effectively communicates the value of its portfolio to retail and hospitality partners. Gene Sullivan collaborates with regional teams to execute localized marketing programs that resonate with diverse consumer demographics. This role involves managing brand partnerships and leveraging market intelligence to capture new business opportunities. By optimizing the customer experience and driving brand loyalty, the Chief Sales & Marketing Officer supports the long-term growth of the organization. Sullivan ensures that marketing investments translate into measurable sales performance and sustained market leadership.
    Gene Sullivan

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits?
    Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits is led by Wayne Chaplin (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as John Privitera (Chief Financial Officer) and Mike Simpkins (Chief Operating Officer, Sales).
    Who is part of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits’s executive team?
    The executive team of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits includes leaders such as Wayne Chaplin (President & Chief Executive Officer), John Privitera (Chief Financial Officer), Mike Simpkins (Chief Operating Officer, Sales) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits have?
    Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Sales, President of Wines, President, Region (East).