WES Brands Appoints Three Industry Leaders to Advisory Board in Support of International Expansion
April 24 2024 - 1:46PM
Business Wire
Chester Brandes, Jonathan Bonchick, and Johnny
Manuel Join WES
WES BRANDS, a leading spirits incubator, proudly announces the
appointment of Chester Brandes, Jonathan Bonchick, and Johnny
Manuel to its advisory board. The announcement follows early
successes in Canada, Mexico, and Australia and the recent addition
of Aspen Vodka to the WES portfolio. The appointments underscore
WES Brands' commitment to expanding its global presence.
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Shelly Stein (Photo: Business Wire)
Chester Brandes, a spirits industry executive with over 40 years
of experience, brings a rich history of leadership roles across key
global markets. His track record includes being President & CEO
at Sobieski Vodka, Finlandia Vodka Worldwide, and launching Stoli
Vodka at Monsieur Henri Wines (PepsiCo). His leadership highlights
Chester's extensive expertise in the vodka category and the rapid
expansion and strategic positioning of Finlandia and Sobieski
Vodkas internationally.
Jonathan Bonchick is the Vice President of Spirits & Wine at
Duty-Free Americas, a powerhouse player in super-premium spirits
retailing, operating over 250 stores in the United States and
internationally at major airports, seaports, and borders. Mr.
Bonchick brings a wealth of industry knowledge and insights into
duty-free operations, drawing from his tenure at Duty-Free Americas
and UETA Inc. of Panama, Innovative Liquors LLC, and Brown-Forman
Beverages Worldwide.
Johnny Manuel most recently served as Director of Sales for
Brown Forman in the U.S. and Canada. During his tenure, he oversaw
a remarkable surge in North American portfolio sales, which soared
by $410 million from 2012 to 2022, including an impressive 27%
growth in the U.S. market alone. Mr. Manuel will assist the team at
WES in optimizing sales strategy, driving revenue growth, and
building strategic partnerships.
"I am honored to join the WES Brands' advisory board, focusing
on charting new territories for the company's brands," remarks
Brandes on his appointment. "The global landscape presents
tremendous opportunities for the company's portfolio.”
Shelly Stein, the former President of Southern Glazer's Wine
& Spirits, and the Chairman of the WES Brands' Advisory Board,
said, "The appointment of these gentlemen could not have come at a
better time. Given our recent traction in key international
markets, I believe their knowledge and contacts will be put to
great use."
About WES Brands
Founded in 2021, WES Brands develops, markets, and sells
innovative brands in the beverage alcohol category. The
entrepreneurial and employee-owned company pairs high-potential
brands in expanding categories with brand partners to drive
awareness. The portfolio currently includes Aspen Vodka, Flecha
Azul Tequila, Fraser & Thompson Whiskey and BSB Whiskey, with
new innovations to come. Do you think you have what it takes to
join the team? Learn more at www.WESBrandsLLC.com.
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