Newlands to succeed Sands as Constellation CEO

Bill Newlands will continue his ascent through the ranks of Constellation Brands’ executive team and take over from Rob Sands as CEO of the company next year.

Bill Newlands will assume the role of CEO of Constellation Brands on 1 March 2019

On 1 March 2019, Newlands will assume the role of chief executive officer and president of Constellation Brands, while Sands will become its executive chair. Richard Sands, who is currently serving in the role of executive chair, will move to the position of executive vice chair.

Newlands joined US drinks group Constellation Brands in 2015 as chief growth officer and in 2016 assumed additional responsibilities as president of the company’s wine and spirits division. He was promoted to the position of chief operating officer in 2017.

The executive took on the additional role of president of the firm, a role previously held by Rob Sands, earlier this year.

“Since joining Constellation Brands in 2015, Bill has made a significant impact on our company, finding ways to leverage our unique capabilities as a leading total beverage alcohol provider to meet consumers’ evolving needs and accelerate growth,” said Rob Sands.

“Bill understands what it takes to succeed in this rapidly evolving market and he’s the right person to lead our company going forward.”

Newlands played a key role in Constellation’s move into the cannabis market with its acquisition of a minority stake in Canadian cannabis producer Canopy Growth Corporation for US$191 million last year.

In August, the group announced an additional investment of US$4 billion in the firm – the most significant investment in the global cannabis industry to date.

Click here to read our exclusive interview with Newlands, where he explains Constellation’s outlook for the future and the “bold moves” it is unafraid to take.