July 18, 2023 – Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), announces key executive level promotions aimed to organize sales and commercial leadership teams under three key areas: supplier growth, customer growth and sales execution.
“We see this structure as a tremendous opportunity to continue to evolve RNDC to better support and grow our suppliers’ and customers’ businesses,” Bob Hendrickson, Chief Operating Officer said. “This shift allows for a coordinated national strategy and consistent execution across all markets, for suppliers and customers who operate across our entire footprint.”
Dave Lane is appointed Chief Supplier and Growth Officer. He has been with RNDC for over four years, most recently serving as Executive Vice President, Commercial Strategy and Integration. He brings a diverse background including having served as President & Chief Operating Officer and Chief Marketing Officer of Terlato Wines. Prior to that, Dave held a number of critical marketing and commercial roles at E & J Gallo Winery, where he worked for over 14 years.
In his new role, he will be focused on ensuring RNDC is a strong strategic partner for our suppliers, focused on building their brands consistently across the country. Reporting to Dave will be the Supplier Business Development team, Commercial Finance, and the Commercial Strategy and Integration team.
Jenn Engel is appointed Chief Customer and Commercial Officer. Jenn has been with RNDC for four years, most recently serving as Chief Commercial Officer. Jenn’s background includes 20+ years in the beverage alcohol industry, from the start of her career in brewing production at Anheuser-Busch to serving as Vice President of Sales and on the Board of Directors at Santa Margherita, to Vice President of National Accounts at Jackson Family Wines.
In her new role, Jenn will be focused on driving superior partnership to our key customers and e-commerce, helping them to grow their businesses while showcasing the increasing importance of National Accounts and e-commerce to our suppliers. Reporting to Jenn will be the National Accounts On and Off Premise teams, Sales Operations, Category Services, Inside Sales, Marketing and E-commerce.
Taylor Sommer is appointed to Chief Sales and Execution Officer. Taylor has been with RNDC for over 23 years, during which time he has served in several sales leadership positions including his more recent role as Central Region President. Prior to RNDC, Taylor started his career in the beverage alcohol industry with E & J Gallo Winery.
As part of these changes in leadership, Taylor will move from managing four larger regions to seven more concentrated regions. These leadership appointments will be the subject of a future announcement. “This structure will bring our region leaders closer to the market ensuring higher levels of outstanding sales execution, which is what RNDC is known for,” said Nick Mehall, President & CEO.
Lane, Engel and Sommer will report directly to Bob Hendrickson, Chief Operating Officer.
About Republic National Distributing Company
As a top beverage alcohol distributor in the nation, RNDC’s national reach helps suppliers by building strategic relationships with on- and off-premise customers to elevate their brands and reach their target consumers. RNDC currently operates in the District of Columbia and 38 states across the United States. To learn more, visit www.rndc-usa.com or contact Kanchan Kinkade, Vice President of Corporate Communications, Kanchan.Kinkade@rndc-usa.com.
