US: Russian Standard appoints two new execs

08 January, 2010

Russian Standard Vodka USA has announced two new executive appointments.

Michael Stoner is to take the role of vice president of marketing. In this position, Stoner will be responsible for leadership of brand and marketing strategy as well as oversight of all marketing initiatives for the Russian Standard portfolio of brands - Russian Standard, Russian Standard Platinum and Imperia - in the US market.

Stoner has more than two decades of experience developing marketing and brand strategies for spirits brands as well as other consumer brands. He will be based in the New York office and report to Leonid Yangarber, CEO of Russian Standard Vodka USA.

Russian Standard USA has also announced the appointment of Bob MacNevin as VP of national accounts and military. In this new role, MacNevin will be responsible for driving “step-change growth in Russian Standard's distribution, brand visibility, and depletions in off-premise and on-premise national accounts and military accounts”.

He will work closely with wholesaler and Russian Standard Vodka sales personnel. MacNevin formerly held a variety of executive positions at Pernod Ricard and Diageo. He will be based in New York and report to Dana Chandler, VP of national sales & distribution.

Leonid Yangarber, CEO of Russian Standard USA said: "We are excited to welcome Michael and Bob to our team. Their energy, experience in marketing and sales and extensive knowledge of the spirits industry will be critical to the continued growth and success of our brands. With both Michael and Bob at the company, I am confident that Russian Standard will continue on its path to becoming a leading multi-million case business in the U.S. marketplace."