WSWA names new chairman
Trade body the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) has elected Cutter Smith as its new chairman.
Smith is the president of family-owned and Connecticut-based wholesaler Eder Bros.
He said: “Following in the footsteps of so many who have led before me, my focus will be on ensuring WSWA remains resourceful, nimble and dynamic – a true partner to our members as they navigate challenges and uncover opportunities in an evolving industry.”
Smith succeeds Dina Opici, who has just completed her one-year term as chairwoman. Opici is the president of Opici Family Distributing and was the WSWA’s first chairwoman since the association’s founding in 1943.
On behalf of the WSWA and its members, president and CEO Francis Creighton said: “I want to sincerely thank Dina Opici for her outstanding service and leadership during one of the most dynamic times our industry has ever experienced.
“Dina has been a tireless advocate for distributors, championing their role in communities across the country while helping to guide WSWA through key challenges like tariffs and regulatory changes.
“I am excited to work alongside Cutter as he takes on this role, bringing his experience, vision, and commitment to advancing the interests of our members and strengthening the industry.”
Cutter takes the helm at WSWA, which represents wholesalers across the wine and spirits sector, during a period of uncertainty for US spirits with premiumisation slowing down and a tariff war waging on.
The association’s mains spokesperson and executive vice-president of strategic communications and marketing, Michael Bilello, recently announced that he would switch to the newly formed American Whiskey Association (AWA) on 22 September as its first CEO.
Smith addresses WSWA members
In an address to WSWA members, Smith shared: “As the incoming chairman of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, I am both humbled and inspired to follow in the footsteps of distinguished leaders such as Dina Opici, Doug Shaw, Tom Cole, Danny Wirtz, and so many others. Each left behind a legacy of service built on a simple but enduring truth: WSWA’s strength has always come from being a resource for its members – in times of need, in moments of change, and in periods of opportunity.
“When I reflect on the history of this association dating back to 1943, I see a common thread woven through the words of past chairs. Whether navigating recessions, regulatory upheaval, or cultural shifts, they each emphasised the importance of standing together, speaking with one voice, and being a resource that helps members not just survive, but thrive.
“Today, that legacy is alive and well. But we also know our industry is evolving at a speed we’ve rarely seen before – shaped by shifting consumer preferences, disruptive technologies, changing distribution models, and the challenges of trade policies and tariffs. Just as those who came before us met the moment, we too must adapt.
“We face an environment that demands resourcefulness and nimbleness. For WSWA, this means being proactive in helping members navigate complex challenges while uncovering opportunities for growth. It means fighting tariffs that unfairly burden our businesses, celebrating wins like the permanence of 199A that protect the backbone of our industry, and ensuring that distributors remain champions of consumer choice, public safety, and economic vitality.
“We cannot afford to be static. The future belongs to those who are agile, who innovate, and who lean on one another to find solutions. That is the mandate before us as distributors, and as an association.
“As I take on this role, I do so with deep respect for the generations before me – my own family included – who built this industry with resilience and vision.
“I look forward with optimism, knowing that the same qualities that made us strong in the past will carry us forward: adaptability, collaboration and service.
“WSWA must continue to be driven to serve its members. Our job is to ensure that as the industry evolves, we evolve with it by providing the insights, advocacy, and resources that help you succeed in real time. “
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