Washington, D.C.—The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America will honor Brown-Forman Executive Vice President for Global Business Development Jim Bareuther at WSWA’s 67th Annual Convention & Exposition in Las Vegas April 6.
Bareuther is one of Brown-Forman’s key executive leaders responsible for guiding Brown-Forman’s growth and the international expansion of the company’s portfolio. In addition, he is responsible for Brown-Forman’s work with key industry organizations in the global spirits and wine business. Bareuther currently serves as chairman of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), a national trade association based in Washington, D.C., representing producers and marketers of distilled spirits sold in the United States. Bareuther also chairs The Century Council, an organization designed to fight underage drinking and drunk driving.
Bareuther also currently leads Brown-Forman’s Responsibility and Rights Committee, which over the past three years has developed and implemented “Our Thinking About Drinking,” the company program engaging key global industry stakeholders and the general public that encourages responsible consumption and reduces the abuse of beverage alcohol.
Prior to his current role, Bareuther was chief operating officer for Brown-Forman, responsible for the company’s spirits and wine business across the globe. After joining Brown-Forman as director U.S. sales in 1994, he served in increasingly important roles in the company’s U.S. and global business operations. Prior to working for Brown-Forman, Bareuther was executive vice president of sales and marketing for the Seagram Classics Wines Company, and before that he worked for Beringer Vineyards.
WSWA incoming Chairman John Baker will present Bareuther with the Sidney Frank Award during the opening General Session. The award was created by the WSWA Educational Foundation two years ago, thanks to a generous grant from the Sidney Frank Importing Company. The award is presented to a person within the wine and spirits industry who has achieved noteworthy public policy or philanthropic accomplishments, as well as made exceptional contributions to the alcohol beverage industry. A $10,000 contribution will be made to the charitable cause of Bareuther’s choosing.
"Jim is a great philanthropist and has contributed to the beverage alcohol industry in an outstanding and exemplary way,” WSWA President and CEO Craig Wolf said. “For over 36 years, Jim has raised the bar in sales and marketing as well promoted responsible marketing practices that help deter underage drinking. Jim has also been very active in his community supporting various organizations like Share Our Strength, a non-profit organization that works to make sure no child in America grows up hungry.”
Ray Tye, the late Chairman Emeritus of United Liquors, was last year’s Sidney Frank Award recipient. The first award winner in 2008 was Michel Roux, who crafted the famous Absolut promotional campaigns of the 80s and 90s.
At the conclusion of the convention, Wolf will present the WSWA Lifetime Leadership Award to a wholesaler who displays exemplary characteristics both in business and community work, and who contributes to the overall good of the industry. This award, while kept secret during the convention, will be announced at the closing General Business Session.