Constellation Brands Inc. announced that William “Bill” Newlands will become president and CEO of the Corona beer owner, as well as join its board of directors.
He succeeds Robert “Rob” Sands, who will become executive chairman after serving as CEO since 2007.
Sands was the architect behind the company’s venture into the legal cannabis industry, with a $4 billion investment in Canopy Growth Corp. In line with more similar growth strategies for the alcohol industry, Sands also orchestrated the acquisition of U.S. rights to Modelo and Corona.
He will move into his brother’s position as executive chair on March 1, when all changes are effective. Richard Sands will become executive vice chair.
Newlands joined Constellation Brands in 2015 as chief growth officer and has most recently been serving as the president and COO.
In addition to leading the wine/spirits/beer division and growth/national sales organizations, he leads the finance, human resource, and legal functions. Newlands is also a veteran of the alcohol industry, having previously held senior leadership roles with Beam Suntory, Wine.com and LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.
