Solid Business Performance Puts Don Sebastiani & Sons in Hiring Mode

SONOMA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--While layoffs and hiring freezes are standard fare in the current economic climate, Don Sebastiani & Sons International Wine Negociants is bucking the trend and has announced it will add 14 positions to its sales and marketing team during 2009.

“In a tough marketplace, we are performing well. Our decision to allocate more resources to independent off-premise channels and on-premise is starting to have impact,” said Mike Holden, the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer. “We firmly believe that if we can grow our market share in a difficult economy, we will be well positioned to capitalize on the opportunities when the market rebounds. We are making a long-term investment in sales and marketing resources that will define the next stage of our company growth,” Holden said.

Last week, the company announced the hiring of Mike Cekay as Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager for its Three Loose Screws Division. Over the past few months, the company has also announced the following new hires, all within the Three Loose Screws Division:

Justin Quick joins the team as Midwest Regional Manager, in charge of sales and marketing in 12 Midwestern states. Quick most recently was regional manager for Terlato Wines and Spirits.

Kari Lipp has assumed the post of Illinois State Manager. Lipp formerly was with Vranken Pommery America and was a sales representative with Union Beverage/Glazer’s in Chicago.

Terry Cirkoth is the new Chain Merchandising Manager for Three Loose Screws in Southern California. Previously he was an account executive and wine steward supervisor for Wine Warehouse.

Kathy Pyrce was named Brand & Market Activation Manager. Pyrce has extensive brand management experience with Unilever, a leading international consumer products company, and also was with Learning Curve International.

Michael Peck has been hired as a Sales & Marketing Assistant. A recent graduate of the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA, Peck will support sales, marketing and public relations efforts.

Holden said the remaining open positions will be filled in the next two to six months.

Don Sebastiani & Sons is a family-owned wine negociant firm specializing in the marketing of upscale varietal wines. Principals Don Sebastiani and sons, Donny and August, are third and fourth generation California vintners and merchants. The company is headquartered in Sonoma Valley and has a winery in the Napa Valley. Don Sebastiani & Sons’ fast-growing The Other Guys portfolio is currently expanding at an annual growth rate of 200%: the more established Three Loose Screws portfolio includes Impact Hot Brands Smoking Loon and Pepperwood Grove.