Grand Prairie, Texas, July 22, 2024—Leon Cikota, Vice President of Fine Wine Supplier Business Development at Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), will retire effective September 1, 2024, and will transition to a consultative role through 2026.Leon began his career in sales at RNDC in Austin, Texas, and worked his way up to become the Vice President of Texas, where he was responsible for the fine wine divisions and on-premise. Throughout his career, Leon was a mentor to many and fostered a culture of collaborative teamwork, playing an integral role in building RNDC’s fine wine supplier network and continuing the vision of one of our esteemed founders, Alan Dreeben. Best known for his ability to build relationships, Leon was instrumental in the development of our customers and our robust portfolio, expanding our RNDC footprint, and connecting our states and suppliers.
“With a remarkable 33-year tenure at RNDC, Leon has diligently built a legacy of successful partnerships and development within the fine wine and sake industry,” said RNDC Chief Sales Officer, Taylor Sommer. “His contributions have been instrumental in shaping the company’s trajectory and fostering significant relationships in the industry. As a trusted partner and a man of integrity, this connection to our fine wine suppliers played a vital role in laying the foundation for what the Estates Group is today.”
Prior to joining RNDC, Leon graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in Psychology. When he chose to venture into the business world, he started by owning and operating a fine dining restaurant followed by an import company, and successfully developed the brand Napa Glen. Leon’s accolades also include earning an Advanced Sommelier Certificate, a Level III WSET Certificate, and being awarded the Who’s Who in Food & Wine by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Additionally, he served as the President of the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival (now known as the Austin Wine & Food Festival).
About Republic National Distributing Company
As a leading national beverage distributor in wine and spirits, RNDC has established its reputation by bringing the industry’s brightest talent together, consistently igniting opportunities for our suppliers, customers, and associates. Our expansive national reach empowers suppliers by building strategic relationships with on- and off-premise customers, elevating their brands and connecting them with their target consumers. Operating in the District of Columbia and 39 states across the United States, we are committed to being the most valuable partner to all we serve. With roots extending before Prohibition and a footprint spanning from local to national, digital to DTC, we are ushering in a new era of wine and spirits distribution within the three-tier system. At RNDC, we work in that rare space where commitment to craft meets unrelenting quality. Fueled by passion, we are raising the bar for beverage alcohol distribution—elevating spirits and sales across our value chain. To learn more, visit www.rndc-usa.com or contact Kanchan Kinkade, Vice President, Corporate Communications, at Kanchan.Achar@rndc-usa.com
