Stoli Group appoints Cullins as new CEO

Stoli Group has appointed Robert Cullins as its new CEO, while at the same time confirming it is considering acquisitions of new spirits brands.

Cullins, previously the global commercial director of Stoli Group, has taken over from previous incumbent Val Mendeleev, who will remain chief executive of the firm’s parent company SPI Group.

In his new role, which will take effect immediately, Cullins will be responsible for the Stolichnaya Vodka’s global sales, marketing and logistics operations.

Meanwhile Mendeleev will continue to oversee Stoli Group as the chairman of its board of directors, and also have responsibility for the strategic and mergers and acquisitions side of the business.

“From the time I joined our company in August 2008 as SPI Group CEO and Stoli Group CEO, we have made a huge progress in developing and expanding Stoli as a premium, international vodka business,” said Mendeleev.

“Since we left Pernod Ricard as a global Stoli distributor, we have established a new sales and brand management structure, new distributor relationships in nearly 180 markets, and more recently set up our own distribution business in the US.

“In this journey, I was supported by Rob Cullins, who since joining Stoli Group as international commercial director in August 2011, has further spear-headed Stoli’s global reach.”

Rene Lek, who has previously held roles at Pepsico and Shell, has also been appointed chief financial officer (CFO) of SPI Group, replacing Sebastiaan Boelen who, after six years with the firm, is moving to the UK to “pursue private interests”.

Meanwhile John Esposito, who joined Stoli Group USA in January 2013 as its first president, has been promoted the board of Stoli Group, and chairman of Stoli Group USA. A new president of Stoli Group USA will “soon be recruited”.

The group also confirmed that is it considering new spirits and wine brand acquisitions, as well as entry into new categories.

“In order to facilitate further organic and corporate development of our group, we aim to improve the division of strategic and operational activities of our top management,” added Mendeleev.

Stolichnaya Vodka launched its “multi-million” advertising campaign THE Vodka in September last year to emphasis the brand’s heritage.