Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (Southern Glazer’s) announced three key leadership appointments in its Central Region.
Derek Teter has been appointed Senior Vice President, General Manager, Arkansas & Tennessee, effective March 17, 2025. In this role, Teter will report directly to Matt Metz, President, Central Region and will lead all operations in Arkansas, according to the company, as well as oversee the Vice President, General Manager of Tennessee. With a 23-year career at Southern Glazer’s, Teter has held numerous commercial leadership roles, most recently serving as Senior Vice President, General Manager, Arkansas since 2018. Under his leadership, the Arkansas market has experienced significant growth, driven by a strong culture of accountability and business execution.
Brian Sears has been promoted to Vice President, General Manager, Tennessee, effective April 7, 2025, reporting directly to Teter. Sears joins the Tennessee team from Colorado, according to the company, where he served as Vice President of Sales, Colorado Off-Premise for the past six years. With nearly three decades of industry experience across multiple markets, Sears has been instrumental in driving sales execution, operational efficiencies, and market expansion. His deep industry expertise and leadership will be critical to advancing Southern Glazer’s business in Tennessee.
Additionally, Joe Burns has been named Vice President, General Manager, Kansas & Iowa, effective January 1, 2025, reporting to Jim Mullen, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Nebraska, Kansas & Iowa. Burns first joined Glazer’s in 2006 and has since held key leadership roles at both Southern Glazer’s and E. & J. Gallo Winery. Most recently, he served as Vice President, Pinnacle Sales Division, Missouri, according to the company, where he drove significant growth and strengthened supplier partnerships. In his new role, Burns will oversee all operations in Kansas and Iowa.
“These leadership appointments reflect our ongoing commitment to developing top talent and ensuring we have the right leaders in place to drive our business forward,” said Metz in a news release. “Derek and Brian bring exceptional leadership and market expertise, and I am confident that under their guidance, our Arkansas and Tennessee teams will continue to thrive.”
“Joe has a proven track record of success across multiple markets, and I have no doubt that his leadership will have a lasting impact on our Kansas and Iowa businesses,” added Mullen. “I look forward to seeing him build upon our strong foundation in these key markets.”
