SPI makes Esposito its North America president

SPI Group, owner of the Stolichnaya Russian vodka brand, has made John Esposito president of its US operations.

This follows the SPI’s decision to establish its own importing company in the US.

John Esposito is a veteran of the US drinks industry, most recently he was president and CEO of Bacardi North America. Prior to that, he was CEO of Moët Hennessy USA, president of Schieffelin & Somerset and, on the distribution side of the business, president of Premier Beverage in Florida.

At SPI North America, Esposito’s first priority will be setting up an organiation of sales, marketing, finance and supply chain professionals across the US. He starts the job on January 28 and will be based at the Stoli US headquarters in New York.

 “Stoli is one of the most iconic brands in the category. I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting project,” said Esposito. "I look forward to forming a strong way of working with William Grant & Sons – the current distributors of Stoli in the US – to ensure a smooth transition of the brand, while building the Stoli team in the US that will guide the brand for the future."