Industry Veteran Rich Andrews Named Chief Operating Officer
OLD BROOKVILLE, NY, FEBRUARY 6, 2018 – Cristina Mariani-May has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Banfi Vintners, America’s leading importer of fine wine. Since 2007, the CEO role had been shared by Mariani-May with her fellow third-generation family proprietor James Mariani, who now becomes a key member of the Banfi advisory board with the title of Principal, Banfi Vintners.
Additionally, global industry veteran Rich Andrews joins Banfi Vintners as its Chief Operating Officer. He will report directly to Mariani-May and be responsible for the leadership and general management of day-to-day business operations, with the aim of accelerating business performance.
“These are strategic moves that are necessary to position Banfi for long-term, sustainable growth,” says Mariani-May. “Rich Andrews is highly respected in our industry and we are thrilled to have him join the Banfi team.”
Andrews brings over 25 years of beverage industry experience in international leadership and general management roles across North America, Europe, and Latin America. Most recently, he served as President & Managing Director – Americas for Lavazza, the privately owned coffee roaster. Previously, Andrews spent 13 years working at Bacardi in a series of general management roles, including Chief Commercial Officer – North America, Managing Director – UK & Ireland, President – Latin America, and President – Canada. He was VP of Sales and Marketing for Coca-Cola prior to his time at Bacardi.
About Banfi Vintners
Banfi Vintners was founded in New York in 1919 by John F. Mariani, Sr. and built into America’s leading wine marketer over the last four decades. The company continues to be family-owned by the founder’s children and grandchildren, who are also proprietors of the Castello Banfi vineyard estate in Montalcino, Tuscany; Vigne Regali Cellars in Strevi, Piedmont; and Pacific Rim Winery in Washington’s Columbia Valley. For more information, visit www.banfiwines.com or contact Joe Janish, Director of Public Relations, at jjanish@banfi.com.
