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14 / the tasting panel / november 2009 Industry Spotlight Diageo announces the appoint- ment of Maggie Lapcewich to the role of President, Global Tequila, effective November 15. In this role, she will be the single point of lead- ership accountability for the global tequila business encompassing Cuervo and Don Julio. With this change, Mark Hubler, currently President of Control States, will expand his role to President, Con- trol States & National Accounts. Hubler joined Diageo ten years ago and has over 20 years experi- ence in the beverage industry. Hubler will report to Kevin O'Neil, who is appointed Presi- dent, U.S. Spirits, National Ac- counts & Sales Development. Sopexa USA announces that April Sack will replace Pieter van Vorstenbosch as the agency's new Director of Public Relations. She brings with her a lifelong passion for food and wine, a perfect pair- ing with a company specializing in promoting French food and beverages. Sack is delving back into the world of French wines, having served as Marketing and Communications Director for Henriot, Inc. Dolf van den Brink, former Commercial Director for Heinek- en's operating company in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is the new President and CEO of Heineken USA. John Nicolson, Heineken's Re- gional President for the Americas, comments, "I am delighted to have someone of Dolf's vitality, leader- ship capability and commercial experience to lead our U.S. busi- ness. His track record of growing brands and developing people across both mature and develop- ing markets is outstanding." Tom Steffanci is the new Presi- dent of W. J. Deutsch & Sons, Ltd. The former COO of Terlato Wines International will oversee all sales, marketing, fi nance and operations for Deutsch, the fi fth largest wine and spirits company in the United States. He will report directly to CEO Peter Deutsch and will replace outgoing President Jim Mello, who will retire but re- main on the Board of Directors. Wine Creek LLC—the sales, im- porting and marketing company for Quivira Vineyards & Winery, Torbreck Vintners and Tandem Wines—has hired Michael Barry as the company's new Northeast Regional Sales Manager. Most recently, Barry was East Coast Re- gional Sales Manager for Chateau Montelena Winery, overseeing sales, distribution and brand development for 23 eastern states. Barry lives in Albany, NY. Maggie Lapcewich. April Sack. Dolf van den Brink. Tom Ste≠ anci. Michael Barry. Appointments 50 Billion Strong W ith cold and fl u season offi cially upon us—and the added threat of swine fl u—there is no better time than the present to sell a product that will boost the immune system. Next Foods introduces GoodBelly BigShot 50, designed to keep bellies healthy and immune systems strong. It contains a super charged dose of 50 billion live and active cultures. GoodBelly BigShot 50 is fruit juice– based (nope, it's not yogurt), dairy-free and is made with organic, all-natural ingredients. www.GoodBelly.com