Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has announced the retirement of its president, Sheldon “Shelly” Stein, effective July 1, 2023.
Stein played a critical role in the successful combination of Southern Wine & Spirits and Glazer’s Distributors in 2016, establishing Southern Glazer’s as the largest beverage alcohol wholesaler in the industry.
Following his transition from Southern Glazer’s, 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.
“Shelly has been a transformative leader at Southern Glazer’s, leading the integration that made it possible for Southern Glazer’s to become the first truly cross-continental wholesaler,” says Wayne E. Chaplin, Chief Executive Officer at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “With his contributions, we established a structure that enables us to deliver the best portfolio of products across North America. We thank him for his service as President of Southern Glazer’s and look forward to working with him as a strategic advisor to our Board of Managers.”
Stein was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Glazer’s Distributors in 2010. 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.
Before joining Merrill Lynch, he was a Senior Managing Director at Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. for over 20 years. Stein previously served as a partner in the Dallas law firm of Hughes & Luce.
“Over the years, Shelly has become a trusted partner and advisor,” says Bennett Glazer, Executive Vice Chairman at Southern Glazer’s and Chairman of the Board and CEO of Glazer’s, Inc. “From day one, he has been a transformative leader that has impacted the future of the beverage alcohol industry through his expertise and forward thinking. On behalf of the Southern Glazer’s leadership team, we’re grateful to Shelly for his contributions to the Company. I’m pleased that we’ll be able to continue our partnership.”
Stein received his J.D. from Harvard Law School and his Bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
“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,” says Stein. “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.”
