Constellation Brands names Alex Alvarez beer

Constellation Brands has appointed Alex Alvarez as its new senior vice president and chief supply chain officer for the company's beer division. The alcoholic beverage maker announced the appointment in an August 25 press release, stating Alvarez will assume the role on September 14.

He replaces John Kester, who plans to retire in November. Alvarez will lead the end-to-end beer supply chain organization for Constellation, which produces Modelo and Corona for the U.S. market. He will oversee manufacturing, procurement, planning, logistics, and distribution, reporting directly to Jim Sabia, the executive vice president and president of the beer division.

According to the company's release, Alvarez brings over three decades of operations and supply chain management experience. His background spans manufacturing, distribution, innovation, quality, sustainability, and capital management within the alcoholic beverage industry.

Career Background

Alvarez joins Constellation from Suntory Global Spirits, where he served for the last three years as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer. In that position, he managed the global supply chain for brands including Jim Beam and Maker's Mark, overseeing 18 distilleries across the United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe, and India.

His career in beverage supply chains began in 2007 when he joined Brown-Forman, the company behind Jack Daniel's and Woodford Reserve. Alvarez held several leadership roles there, including an eight-year stint as senior vice president and chief production and sustainability officer, before departing in 2023. He also has prior experience in the broader consumer packaged goods sector from roles at General Mills and Procter & Gamble.

Leadership Transition

Jim Sabia, the beer division president, praised the incoming executive in the company statement. "Alex is an accomplished supply chain executive with a proven track record of leading complex global operations, building high-performing teams, and delivering transformational business results," Sabia said. "His deep expertise across manufacturing, logistics, procurement, and business transformation will help us continue strengthening our capabilities and position us for long-term growth."

Alvarez will be taking over responsibilities from John Kester, who has held the chief supply chain officer role for the past three years. Kester first joined Constellation twelve years ago, initially serving for nine years as senior vice president of operations services. According to the release, during his tenure Kester established a centralized procurement function, integrated key manufacturing assets, and built a fully integrated end-to-end supply chain.

Sabia also acknowledged the departing executive's contributions. "John's leadership has been instrumental in the growth and evolution of our beer business over the past decade," Sabia stated. "His vision, dedication, and commitment to operational excellence helped build the world-class supply chain organization we have today."