Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/661678
12 / the tasting panel / april 2016 INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT Davos Brands, an importer and marketer of luxury sakes, wines and spirits is pleased to appoint Adrian Molina as Senior Brand Manager of the company. Part of the TY KU Sake and Davos Brands team for the past five years, as of February 2016, Adrian will report directly to Davos Brands Vice Chairman Guillaume Cuvelier, founder and former CEO of SVEDKA Vodka. As Senior Brand Manager, Molina will be responsible for developing and executing overall strategic marketing plans for the entire Davos portfolio of TY KU Sake, Aviation Gin, Sombra Mezcal and Astral Tequila including brand marketing (media/PR, online and promotional event opportu- nities), trade marketing (program development, sales support tools, trade events) and online marketing efforts. Previously Molina was appointed Brand Communication Manager when TY KU formed into Davos Brands in July 2014. American Mixers, the parent company of Dirty Sue Premium Olive Juice, has brought on Tim Bekins as its National Vice President of Sales. Bekins brings more than 45 years of beverage industry experience to his new role, including 36 years with Trader Joe's. For 13 of those years, he held the title of Senior Buyer for all 161 of the specialty grocer's West Coast Stores. After TJ's, Tim spent two and a half years working in the same capacity for Ralph's Grocery Company, overseeing the beverage sector for 165 stores before moving into the supplier side of things. Brockmans Gin has announced the appointment of John Soden to the position of Sales Director. Soden will work closely alongside Brockmans' senior manage- ment and with the brand's U.S. market managers to continue the successful, international sales growth of this distinctly original gin. "I have been a longtime spectator in the burgeoning gin category," says Soden. "I'm thrilled to take an active role with the fantastic team of professionals at Brockmans Gin to accelerate growth of the brand in existing and new markets." APPOINTMENTS The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa recently appointed Thomas Riordan to Executive Chef. Riordan is an expert culinary leader with a prestigious culinary background and more than 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Riordan brings an exceptional understanding of both the luxury market place and locally inspired dining. In his new role as Executive Chef, Riordan will have the task of overseeing all culinary functions at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, including oversight of restaurant concepts and menus for Ko'Sin and the resort's signature and award-winning restaurant, Kai. Additionally, he will oversee meetings and group banquets, event catering, guest room dining for the 500 room resort and all culinary staff recruitment and