Kevin Roberts appointed to lead Wirtz Beverage Nevada

Ray Norvell assumes Vice Chairman role05.18.2011– (Chicago, IL) – Wirtz Beverage Group President Rocky Wirtz announced today the appointment of Kevin Roberts to Senior Vice President of Wirtz Beverage Nevada, effective September 1, 2011. He will replace Ray Norvell who will assume the Vice Chairman role of the company.

“Kevin is a results-oriented leader, embodying our innovative culture and consistently helping Wirtz Beverage exceed expectations among our elite supplier partners,” explained Wirtz. “His diverse background on both the supplier and wholesaler sides have encompassed wine, spirits and beer and make him an ideal candidate for the Nevada leadership role. “

Roberts currently serves as Vice President of Wirtz Beverage Illinois Regal Division. He was recognized this year with the company’s Arthur M. Wirtz Leadership award and has consistently led his team to achieving and exceeding revenue projections. Kevin will continue to drive the Illinois Regal Division through the close of the company’s fiscal year and be actively involved in the replacement search and transition.

Novell joined Wirtz Beverage in 1977 with the purchase of DeLuca Wine and Spirits after several successful years with Seagram’s where he held various positions including Nevada State Manager. During his tenure with Deluca and Wirtz Beverage, the company grew significantly and has become a statewide leader. He will remain an officer of the company.

“Ray has been instrumental in both fostering growth and opportunity for the company and also guiding and developing a team recognized throughout the market and industry,” Wirtz explained. “His dedication and business acumen are significant and can only be matched by the excitement and energetic approach exhibited by Kevin Roberts.”

In his new role, Roberts will report directly to Wirtz Beverage Group President Rocky Wirtz. Prior to joining Wirtz Beverage Illinois in 2008, Roberts held numerous industry positions including Vice President of Sales for California and Sales Director for the New York Metro market for Diageo. This large-market experience combined with on-premise and trade development expertise will be critical to his new role in Nevada.

Wirtz Beverage has made continual investments in infrastructure, technology and training, fostering a team positioned to meet the company’s vision of being the leading total beverage wholesaler by December 31, 2012.

The Wirtz family purchased DeLuca Wine and Spirits in 1977. In 1980, the company established additional partnerships that would expand the company into a statewide operation. Today, Wirtz Beverage Nevada employs more than 600 people and its revenues exceed $330 million.

Wirtz Beverage Nevada is a member of Wirtz Beverage Group, one of the country’s leading wholesalers of wine, spirits and beer brands. Statewide affiliates also include operations in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Wirtz Beverage Group is a division of Wirtz Corporation whose diversified holdings also include banking, real estate, insurance and the Chicago Blackhawk Hockey Team.