Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Unveils New Leadership Transition to Drive Corporate Strategy Forward
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, widely recognized as one of the most influential and comprehensive distributors in the global beverage alcohol industry, has announced a significant transition within its Corporate Strategy leadership—an evolution that reflects both continuity and forward-looking transformation. The Company confirmed that Stephen Von Oehsen, who has served as Senior Vice President of the Office of Strategic Management (OSM), will step away from his day-to-day operational responsibilities to assume a newly defined role as Senior Strategic Advisor, effective April 1, 2026.
In this new capacity, Von Oehsen will work closely with some of the Company’s most senior leaders, including Wayne E. Chaplin, President and Chief Executive Officer; David Chaplin, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth and Strategy Officer; and Lee F. Hager, President of Internal Operations within the Office of the President. His responsibilities will center on advancing key strategic growth initiatives, while also helping to cultivate and embed strategic thinking, leadership development, and talent-building frameworks across the organization.
This leadership shift underscores Southern Glazer’s commitment to sustaining long-term growth while preserving the institutional knowledge and strategic expertise that have helped shape its success over the past two decades. Von Oehsen’s transition is not a departure from influence, but rather a repositioning that enables him to focus on high-impact advisory work while mentoring the next generation of leaders within the organization.
Over the course of more than 20 years with the Company, Von Oehsen has played a central role in shaping Southern Glazer’s strategic direction during periods marked by industry disruption, consolidation, and rapid expansion. Reflecting on his contributions, Wayne E. Chaplin emphasized the profound impact of Von Oehsen’s leadership on the Company’s evolution. He noted that Von Oehsen’s strategic insights and analytical rigor were instrumental in helping the organization navigate complex market dynamics, expand its geographic footprint, and deepen relationships with suppliers and customers alike.
One of the most defining milestones in Southern Glazer’s history—the merger with Glazer’s—was significantly influenced by Von Oehsen’s leadership and strategic vision. This transformational combination allowed the Company to dramatically expand its presence across the United States, unlocking access to dozens of new markets and fueling sustained revenue growth in the years that followed. The merger not only strengthened the Company’s scale but also enhanced its ability to deliver value to suppliers and customers through improved distribution capabilities and operational efficiencies.
Wayne E. Chaplin also highlighted how Von Oehsen’s counsel has helped elevate customer service standards across the organization. By aligning strategic initiatives with customer needs and market opportunities, Von Oehsen contributed to building a more agile, responsive, and customer-centric enterprise—an essential capability in today’s highly competitive beverage alcohol landscape.
David Chaplin echoed these sentiments, drawing attention to the foundational role that Von Oehsen and his team have played in defining and refining Southern Glazer’s corporate identity. Under his leadership, the Office of Strategic Management became a critical driver of enterprise-wide alignment, helping to articulate the Company’s purpose, vision, and long-term strategic priorities. Through disciplined execution and a focus on measurable outcomes, the strategy function evolved into a key engine of value creation for the organization.
A notable achievement during Von Oehsen’s tenure was the development of a robust Enterprise Program Management Office (EPMO). This function has enabled Southern Glazer’s to track the progress and impact of strategic initiatives with greater precision and accountability. By establishing clear metrics and governance frameworks, the EPMO has helped ensure that the Company’s strategic objectives are translated into tangible business results.
Beyond his contributions to strategy and operations, Von Oehsen has also left a lasting imprint on the Company’s talent and culture. Lee F. Hager emphasized that one of Von Oehsen’s greatest strengths lies in his ability to attract, develop, and retain high-performing talent. His leadership has fostered a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement—qualities that are essential for sustaining competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving industry.
The enduring impact of his talent development efforts is evident in the number of current employees and former OSM team members who continue to play active roles within the Company. Many of these individuals have gone on to assume leadership positions across various functions, further amplifying Von Oehsen’s influence throughout the organization. This legacy of talent development not only strengthens the Company’s leadership pipeline but also reinforces its commitment to nurturing internal capabilities.
For his part, Von Oehsen expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities and experiences he has gained since joining Southern Glazer’s in 2005. He reflected on his decision to join the Company as one driven by a desire to learn from some of the most accomplished and strategic leaders he had encountered during his earlier career in management consulting. Over the years, he has been able to translate that learning into meaningful contributions that have helped shape the Company’s trajectory.
In his remarks, Von Oehsen acknowledged the support, engagement, and empowerment he has received from the Company’s leadership team, noting that these factors have been critical to the success of both himself and his team. He also expressed enthusiasm for his new role, emphasizing his commitment to continuing to work alongside Southern Glazer’s leadership to chart a course for long-term success.
Looking ahead, this transition represents an important moment for Southern Glazer’s as it continues to navigate an increasingly complex and competitive market environment. The beverage alcohol industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by shifting consumer preferences, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. In this context, the Company’s ability to leverage experienced strategic advisors while empowering new leaders will be critical to maintaining its position as an industry leader.
By transitioning Von Oehsen into a senior advisory role, Southern Glazer’s is effectively balancing continuity with change. The Company retains access to his deep institutional knowledge and strategic acumen, while also creating space for new perspectives and leadership approaches to emerge within the Corporate Strategy function.
This move also highlights the importance of adaptability in leadership structures. As organizations grow and evolve, so too must the roles and responsibilities of their leaders. By redefining Von Oehsen’s position, Southern Glazer’s is demonstrating a proactive approach to leadership development—one that prioritizes both individual strengths and organizational needs.
Ultimately, the transition of Stephen Von Oehsen into the role of Senior Strategic Advisor marks a new chapter in Southern Glazer’s ongoing journey of growth and transformation. It reflects a thoughtful approach to leadership succession, knowledge transfer, and strategic continuity. As the Company continues to pursue new opportunities and navigate future challenges, the guidance and expertise of seasoned leaders like Von Oehsen will remain an invaluable asset.
With a strong leadership team, a clear strategic vision, and a continued focus on innovation and talent development, Southern Glazer’s is well-positioned to build on its legacy and drive sustained success in the years ahead.
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