The Tasting Panel magazine

December 2014

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december 2014  /  the tasting panel  /  1 17 HOT SHOT E ach month we team up with the beverage industry's recruiting and staffing experts at BevForce and chat with one of their Movers & Shakers to get a behind-the-scenes insight on the job search process, the beverage industry's most innovative companies and the executives who drive them. This month, we chatted with Marc Lunn, who was recently named National Accounts Director, Off-Premise at Sovereign Brands. He had been Region Manager with Pernod Ricard. How would you define Sovereign Brands' culture and what attracted you to it? Sovereign Brands is a family com- pany run by third-generation pioneers in the wine and spirits business who pride themselves in looking ahead of the curve. The culture Brett and Brian Berish have created embodies innovation, quick decision-making and self-motivation—all values that attracted me to Sovereign Brands and the role. I appreciate being given the freedom to make strategic decisions and grow my department in line with the company's goals. In addition to our incredibly unique portfolio, we have such a dynamic team across the globe, so I'm thrilled to join them as we shape the future of Sovereign Brands and the premium drinks category. What are your plans to further develop the business over the next year? My core focus over the next year is to strategically align Sovereign Brands with key off-premise national accounts. Our brands are seeing tremendous buzz and momentum, specifically our Luc Belaire line of French sparking wines. In my recent market visits, the growth and accep- tance I've seen for Belaire, from taste to consumer loyalty, has been remarkable and unlike any brand I've worked with. We have already had huge success with off-premise chain accounts, and we've barely entered this channel, so now is the perfect time to amplify our national distribution and enhance our retail partnerships. What was the best career advice you've ever been given and who gave it to you? A former boss constantly reminded me to go the extra mile and dive into every facet of the business, even if it meant stepping out of my comfort zone. I've always believed in his advice, and as a result, I've been given amazing career opportunities that have allowed me to fuel my passion: sales. What advice would you give to jobseekers looking for their next role? Be aggressive, but patient. Take a moment to decide exactly what you want and then visualize yourself in the role. Each industry is filled with exciting opportunities, get out there and net- work; it's key in helping you land your next dream job. What are some of the most valuable lessons you have learned from mentors in the industry? In my opinion, leading by example is the greatest unspoken lesson that can be learned. Watching my mentors build rela- tionships and gain trust from clients motivated me to develop my own long- term business partnerships throughout my career. If you didn't work in the beverage industry, what would you be doing? I'm lucky to work in such a dynamic industry; it would certainly be hard to remove myself from it. However, I've always had an interest in the casino and resorts world. It seems equal parts dangerous and exciting—I'm intrigued! If you weren't drinking a glass of Champagne, you would be sipping on . . . A chilled glass of Cloud Chaser Rosé while out on a boat on Nantucket! Marc Lunn NATIONAL ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR, OFF-PREMISE, SOVEREIGN BRANDS PHOTO: DOUG YOUNG

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