Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits’ Pete McLaughlin, EVP and GM of Kentucky & Ohio, to Assume New Role
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (Southern Glazer’s), widely recognized as the world’s leading distributor of beverage alcohol, has announced a significant leadership transition within its operations in Kentucky and Ohio. Effective January 1, 2026, Pete McLaughlin, who currently serves as Executive Vice President and General Manager for both states, will step away from his executive duties to assume a consulting role with the Company. In this new capacity, McLaughlin will concentrate on legislative affairs in Kentucky while also mentoring emerging leaders, ensuring the next generation of General Managers at Southern Glazer’s benefits from his decades of industry experience.
McLaughlin’s journey with Southern Glazer’s spans an extraordinary 41 years, marked by consistent advancement and a deep commitment to operational excellence. He began his career in 1984 as a Sales Consultant with Crane Distributing, a company that would later be acquired by Southern Glazer’s in 1997. Over the years, McLaughlin has held a variety of leadership positions within the Company, gaining extensive experience in sales, team management, and operational strategy. His dedication and ability to foster high-performing teams led to his promotion in 2004 as Vice President and General Sales Manager for the Kentucky division, a role in which he successfully guided sales initiatives and business growth for the region. Since 2016, he has served in his current capacity as Executive Vice President and General Manager for Kentucky and Ohio, overseeing large-scale operations, cultivating talent, and driving performance across both states.
Reflecting on McLaughlin’s impact, John Wittig, Chief Commercial Officer at Southern Glazer’s, emphasized the rare blend of professionalism, strategic insight, and people-focused leadership that McLaughlin embodies. “It is truly difficult to find someone who embodies leadership as consummately as Pete does,” Wittig said. “Having had the privilege of working with Pete for the majority of my career, I have seen firsthand how he skillfully navigates all types of business situations with professionalism and grace. He has consistently demonstrated a keen ability to balance strategic decision-making with genuine care for his teams, fostering a culture that promotes excellence, accountability, and collaboration.”
Under McLaughlin’s guidance, Southern Glazer’s Kentucky division has thrived. His leadership style, which combines rigorous business acumen with a personal investment in team development, has cultivated a workplace environment where employees feel motivated to perform at their best. His efforts have led teams to surpass sales targets year after year while maintaining a culture of integrity and inclusivity. Beyond numbers, McLaughlin’s influence has been particularly felt in mentoring emerging leaders. By sharing his experience and insights, he has empowered colleagues to assume greater responsibilities and prepare for leadership positions, ensuring a legacy of strong management for the future.
In addition to his operational achievements, McLaughlin has played a pivotal role in legislative affairs in Kentucky. His understanding of regulatory frameworks and proactive engagement with policy initiatives has positioned Southern Glazer’s as a knowledgeable and trusted stakeholder within the beverage alcohol industry. In his new consulting role, McLaughlin will continue to leverage this expertise, guiding the Company on legislative matters while also dedicating time to developing the next generation of leaders—a dual focus that underscores his ongoing value to Southern Glazer’s.
Looking ahead, the leadership responsibilities previously managed by McLaughlin will be redistributed to key executives who have demonstrated strong operational capabilities. Effective January 1, 2026, David Levitch, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Kentucky, and Vic Conti, Vice President and General Manager of Ohio, will report to Patrick Cassidy, East Region President. Both Levitch and Conti bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, and their expanded roles are expected to continue the trajectory of growth and excellence established under McLaughlin’s tenure. This transition reflects Southern Glazer’s commitment to cultivating internal talent and ensuring continuity in leadership across its regional operations.
Southern Glazer’s has long been recognized for its strategic approach to leadership development and succession planning, emphasizing the importance of retaining institutional knowledge while empowering new leaders to bring fresh perspectives to the organization. McLaughlin’s move into a consulting role is consistent with this philosophy, allowing the Company to continue benefiting from his deep expertise while creating opportunities for other executives to take on greater responsibilities. The consulting position will enable McLaughlin to provide guidance on both strategic and operational matters, further enhancing Southern Glazer’s ability to navigate an increasingly dynamic beverage alcohol landscape.
Throughout his career, McLaughlin has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to align operational execution with broader organizational objectives. His approach blends a detailed understanding of the market with a focus on people, culture, and collaboration, creating high-performing teams that drive business growth. This combination of strategic insight and relational leadership has earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues, partners, and industry stakeholders alike. The decision to transition him to a consulting role reflects not only his continued value to the Company but also Southern Glazer’s forward-looking strategy to retain top talent in roles that maximize their impact.
As Southern Glazer’s looks to the future, McLaughlin’s influence will remain a guiding force. His mentorship efforts will ensure that emerging leaders are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to succeed in senior roles. His ongoing focus on legislative affairs will continue to safeguard the Company’s interests while providing critical insights into policy developments that affect the beverage alcohol industry. By leveraging McLaughlin’s decades of experience, Southern Glazer’s is positioning itself to maintain its leadership position in the market while continuing to foster innovation, growth, and operational excellence across its regional divisions.
In announcing the transition, Wittig highlighted the enduring impact McLaughlin has had on the Company’s culture and success. “Over the years, Pete has cultivated an incredible culture in Kentucky, leading high-performing teams to consistently achieve their objectives year after year,” Wittig said. “We look forward to Pete continuing to contribute to the Company and benefiting from his expertise and leadership, which will remain instrumental in helping Southern Glazer’s continue to deliver exceptional results.”
The announcement marks both a milestone and a continuation for Southern Glazer’s. It honors McLaughlin’s remarkable 41-year journey with the Company while signaling a deliberate and well-planned approach to leadership succession. The transition underscores Southern Glazer’s commitment to maintaining strong leadership, fostering internal talent, and continuing its tradition of excellence in beverage alcohol distribution across the United States.
With McLaughlin stepping into a consulting role and Levitch and Conti assuming greater leadership responsibilities, Southern Glazer’s is poised for continued success. The Company’s approach to managing this transition exemplifies its dedication to strategic planning, leadership development, and long-term growth. By retaining McLaughlin’s expertise while empowering emerging leaders, Southern Glazer’s ensures that its operations in Kentucky and Ohio will remain strong, adaptive, and well-positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Pete McLaughlin’s legacy at Southern Glazer’s is defined by his unwavering commitment to excellence, his focus on developing people, and his strategic vision. As he embarks on this new chapter as a consultant, he will continue to shape the Company’s growth, mentor rising leaders, and influence the industry landscape in Kentucky and beyond. His journey serves as a testament to the enduring value of leadership, experience, and dedication in driving both organizational success and industry advancement.
