Constellation Brands executive vice president and beer division chair Paul Hetterich died yesterday at age 59 following “a series of health issues in recent years,” the company announced to wholesalers today.
Hetterich was named beer division chair in January, a role that gave him oversight of the company’s brewing facilities in Mexico. His beverage-alcohol career began in the wine industry at Wine Merchants Limited, which was acquired by Canandaigua Wine Company (formerly Constellation) in 1986, according to his executive bio on Constellation’s website. Hetterich joined the company in 1999 to lead Icon Estates, its fine wine division.
Under his leadership, Constellation’s beer division – which includes Mexican imports Modelo, Corona and Pacifico – grew to become the third largest vendor in the beer category. The Modelo brand family is the second best selling beer brand in the country, with off-premise dollar sales of $3.4 billion in the 52 weeks ending March 20, according to market research firm IRI.
Below is the note beer division president Jim Sabia sent to wholesalers in its entirety.
“Gold Network leaders –
It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul Hetterich passed away yesterday afternoon. Paul had been battling a series of health issues in recent years and was surrounded by family at the moment of his passing.
There are few individuals who have had the level of impact on our company that Paul had. He played an integral role in just about every major decision made at our company over the past 30+ years and, as you know, spent the last 6 years leading our beer business through a period of tremendous growth.
His intellect, financial acumen, and deep understanding of our industry were unparalleled. We will forever be grateful to Paul for his passion and dedication in helping establish Constellation as a major force within the beverage alcohol industry.
Paul valued his relationships with many of you and we thank you for being an important part of Paul’s distributor family.
Jim”