Serrallés USA Ramps up Presence in the South

Nov. 17, 2009 - PRLog -- Dallas, TX   – Serrallés USA, has planted another stake in the ground in its aggressive US re-launch of Don Q, Puerto Rico’s Premium Rum, by bringing aboard yet another industry veteran, Dennis Johnston as South Central Regional Manager.  This appointment comes on the heels of recent strategic Management hires in the Northeast, West Coast and Mid West of other well seasoned Spirits Industry professionals.  Dennis will be responsible for overseeing all sales, strategic programming and distributor relations in all key states throughout the South Central region including major metros such as Dallas, Houston and New Orleans.  Denis brings over 20 years worth of industry experience with a unique blend of sales, promotions management, and new and core brand development which will be vital as Don Q Rums defines its place in the category.

Most recently, Dennis served as Regional Manager/Business Unit Director at Pernod Ricard USA where he oversaw the development of core brands in 6 states managing distribution along with profitability.  Prior to ascending to this role, Dennis was a territory manager for Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine NA, managing Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma where over 6 years, he delivered 12% growth across all core and non-core brands.  Before joining Allied Domecq, Dennis worked with United Distillers, The Paddington Company, and served as Louisiana State Manager for Sidney Frank Importing Co. where he oversaw the development and growth of core brands statewide as well as implementing distributor programming.  Dennis began his career at Proctor & Gamble Distributing Company where he served as Gulf Coast Manager for Southern Louisiana and Southern Mississippi.  Dennis holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science from Louisiana State University and has numerous industry awards and accolades for sales management, core brand development, and profitability.

“We are delighted to bring a professional with such a diverse background of brand development and distributor management to our team.  His sales experience along with his core brand successes across multiple companies will strengthen our presence in the diverse and fast growing South Central Region as well as our company’s growing stature here in the US”, said John Eason, VP, National Sales Manager of Serrallés USA and exclusive importer of Don Q Rums.  

About Serrallés USA
Headquartered in Dallas, TX, Serrallés USA is the exclusive importer of Don Q,
Puerto Rico`s Premium Rum. Serrallés USA imports Don Q Cristal, Don Q Gold, Don
Q Añejo, Don Q Grand Añejo and Don Q Limón, Don Q Coco, and Don Q Mojito. Don Q Rum dates back to 1865 and is the original premium rum from Puerto Rico. Its flagship brand Don Q Cristal is the #1 selling brand in the island, where more than 70% of the rum consumed in the U.S. is produced. Don Q is manufactured by Destilería Serrallés Inc, Ponce, Puerto Rico.  Please visit us at www.donq.com.              
 
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