News

Southern Glazer’s boss Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Stein retires

08 June 2023 By Eloise Feilden

US-based distributor Southern Glazer’s has announced the retirement of Sheldon “Shelly” Stein from his role as president, effective 1 July 2023.

Southern Glazer’s boss Sheldon 'Shelly' Stein retires

Stein was appointed as president and chief executive officer of Glazer’s Distributors in 2010. He played a critical role in the merger between Southern Wine & Spirits and Glazer’s Distributors in 2016, establishing Southern Glazer’s as the largest wholesaler in the industry.

Prior to this role, Stein was vice chairman of Global Investment Banking at Bank of America Merrill Lynch where he served as Glazer’s Distributors lead advisor and worked closely with the Glazer family and executive team as well as its suppliers on many strategic fronts, the company has said. Before joining Merrill Lynch, he was a senior managing director at Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. for over two decades. Stein previously served as a partner in the Dallas law firm of Hughes & Luce.

Stein will continue to serve as an advisor to the company’s board of managers. He will also remain in his role as chief executive officer of Glazer’s Beer and Beverage, a wholesale beer distribution business operating in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas under the ownership of the Glazer family. In addition, Stein will continue to serve on the Board of Advisors for Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits and as the chair of the advisory board for WES Brands, whose portfolio currently includes Flecha Azul Tequila and BSB Flavored Whiskey.

The former Southern Glazer’s president said of his departure from the role: “I am grateful to have the pleasure of working with both the Chaplin and Glazer families in my capacity as president at Southern Glazer’s and have truly been inspired to drive strategic transformation, innovation and success within the Company.

“In my new role as an advisor to the company’s board of managers, I will strive to continue to create those opportunities for the next generation of leaders and beyond to maintain its status as the industry leader.”

In other news, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits passed the US$3 billion revenue mark in 2022 for its online business, while controversial lawsuit rumbles on in the background.