Alcohol beverage maker Constellation Brands issued a press release on August 25, announcing the appointment of Alex Alvarez as Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer for its beer division.

Alvarez will officially assume the role on September 14, succeeding John Kester, who plans to retire in November. Alvarez will lead the end-to-end supply chain organization for Constellation's beer business, covering brands such as Modelo and Corona, with responsibility for manufacturing, procurement, planning, logistics, and distribution, reporting to Jim Sabia, Executive Vice President and President of the company's beer division.

Alvarez brings extensive experience in the alcohol beverage supply chain, with over 30 years of operations and supply chain management background spanning manufacturing, distribution, innovation, quality, sustainability, and capital management.

Prior to this appointment, Alvarez served as Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer at Suntory Global Spirits for three years, a company that owns brands such as Jim Beam and Maker's Mark. During his tenure, he managed the company's global supply chain, including 18 distilleries across the United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe, and India.

Alvarez entered the alcohol beverage supply chain industry in 2007 when he joined Brown-Forman, the owner of brands such as Jack Daniel's and Woodford Reserve. He held multiple leadership roles there, including eight years as Senior Vice President and Chief Production and Sustainability Officer, until his departure in 2023, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Beyond the alcohol beverage sector, Alvarez also has experience in other areas of the consumer packaged goods industry, including roles at General Mills and Procter & Gamble.

"Alex is a highly accomplished supply chain executive with a proven track record of leading complex global operations, building high-performing teams, and driving business transformation," Sabia said in the press release. "His deep expertise in manufacturing, logistics, procurement, and business transformation will help us continue to strengthen our capabilities and lay the foundation for long-term growth."

Alvarez will succeed Kester, who has held the role for the past three years, following nine years as Senior Vice President of Operations Services at Constellation, according to his LinkedIn profile. Over those 12 years, Kester built a centralized procurement function, integrated key manufacturing assets, and constructed a fully integrated end-to-end supply chain.

"John's leadership has been instrumental to the growth and development of our beer business over the past decade," Sabia said. "His vision, dedication, and commitment to operational excellence have helped us build the world-class supply chain organization we have today."