Constellation appoints COO

Constellation Brands has named Jay Wright, currently president of its North American division, as its new chief operating officer (COO), effective immediately. In his new role, Wright will oversee marketing, sales and operations across the company. This is the first time Constellation Brands has appointed such a role and a statement from the company said “the creation of the COO role is the latest step in the company's evolution to further refine and streamline its organisation”.

Wright was named president of the North American business in December 2009. Previously, he served as executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Constellation Wines US. He also served as president of Vincor International Inc. from June 2006 until March 2009 and, prior to that, as president and COO of Vincor International Inc.'s Canadian Wine division from October 2001 until June 2006. Wright held management positions at Molson, Nabisco, and Procter & Gamble in Canada and at Borden Foods Corporation in the US.

Wright will continue to report to Rob Sands, president and chief executive officer.