Industry Veteran, Bob Hendrickson Appointed to CEO Role
February 26, 2025 (Atlanta, GA) — Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), a leading wholesale beverage alcohol distributor in the United States, today announced that Nick Mehall will be stepping down as President and Chief Executive Officer. Bob Hendrickson, a longtime industry leader and former Chief Operating Officer of RNDC, has been appointed interim CEO, effective Monday, March 3, 2025.
Mehall joined RNDC in 2017 as Chief Financial Officer and was named President & CEO in early 2022. Under his leadership, RNDC continued its national expansion, integrated a robust digital commerce strategy, and enhanced its supplier partnerships, driving projected sales of $12.2 billion across a 40-market footprint. His tenure saw key investments in portfolio expansion, e-commerce, and operational efficiency, reinforcing RNDC’s position as a leading distributor in the beverage alcohol industry.
Bob Hendrickson, a 42-year veteran of the industry, has been an integral part of RNDC. Most recently serving as Senior Commercial Advisor, Hendrickson previously held the role of Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, where he was instrumental in developing RNDC’s commercial execution standards, supplier partnerships, and talent development initiatives.
“As a board, we are committed to further accelerating RNDC’s growth in 2025 and as a respected leader with a deep understanding of RNDC’s business, culture, and the evolving marketplace, we are pleased to have Bob transition from Commercial Advisor to the Board to this interim role,” said RNDC Board Member, Marc Sachs. “While the industry continues to face headwinds and unprecedented change, we are confident that his experience, operational expertise, and strong industry relationships will provide steady leadership and the stability our supplier partners and customers seek as we move forward.”
Hendrickson’s career began at E. & J. Gallo Winery before spending a decade as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Julius Schepps. He played a key role in RNDC’s growth following the 2006 merger that formed the company in its current structure. Throughout his career, Hendrickson has been a driving force in sales, marketing, and strategic expansion, as well as an active leader in the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.
“RNDC has always been about people—our associates, our suppliers, and our customers,” said Bob Hendrickson. “I am honored to step into this role and work alongside our talented teams to ensure continuity and continued success during this transition.”
RNDC will begin the search for a permanent CEO, with further updates to be shared in due course.
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.
