Keith Whitlock Email & Phone Number

Commerce, California

Blue Ice Handcrafted American Vodka

Chicago, Il

Managed a 7 state region of wholesalers for over 900k cases. Represented 83% of the entire companies business, largest region in the country. Managed all distribution and sales activity, created and developed pricing strategy by market. Budgeted and executed for all segments of the off premise markets including national accounts, general markets, ethnic market opportunities, as well as on premise event participation. I also managed 5 people reporting to me.

Chicago, Il

Looking for the next opportunity in the Spirits/Wine/CPG industries

New York, Ny

A premium spirits company who has had presently finished their eighth consecutive record year of volume growth and profit. Presently running one of the major markets for this fast-growing company that specializes in NSV growth and long term brand building for both the off and on premise markets. Responsible for the sales and marketing execution on some of the fastest growing brands in the U.S. market - Balvenie Single Malt Scotch, Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch, Hendricks Gin, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Reyka Vodka, Milagro Tequila, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Monkey Shoulder Triple Blended Scotch, etc. My IL team and I have taken this market to 8 record setting years from a profit and volume standpoint in a highly competitive market working through the Breakthru Beverage -IL wholesaler where I have solid and professional ties. Year on Year business growth of +12.8% in a 3 Yr CAGR, representing over $11.3 Million dollars in gross contribution in William Grant's #6 largest market in the U.S. I have 3 direct reports into me at this position for the state. I left the organization while providing my markets with a +22% growth on the portfolio in the firs quarter of the new fiscal year. I also was assigned to the Senior Leadership Management Team - one of only 15 upper managers in the country. See less

Managed a market that represented over 700k - major brands incuded ABSOLUT, Jim Beam, Canadian Club, Courvoisier, Makers Mark, Sauza Tequila, EFFEN Vodka, Dekuyper, Knob Creek. Winner of the Canadian Club Society Award for a record 11 years and a 3 time winner of ABSOLUT Perfection. I was responsible for 483k cases in the off -premise sector of the IL region, managing the distribution and sales activity through Southern Wine and Spirits. Direct responsibility for 3 Area Managers and 2 sales representatives in IL. My major responsibility with this team was to develop regional programming, pricing, budgeting and sales execution of all off premise national, general market, and ethnic account segments.

- In charge of the management of Future Brands key Central Division "Home" market - responsible for over 483,000 cases in the off premise sector of the IL market. - Manage the distribution and sales activity through the Southern Wine & Spirits wholesaler- Develop regional programming, budgeting, pricing, and sales execution for the off-premise national, general market, and ethnic account segments. - Direct responsibilities for managing 3 Area Managers, and 2 sales representatives in IL. In three years, I developed all three Area Managers into State Manager or National Key Account Manager positions. - Recognized as the top Beam Global market for new brand introductions on Jim Beam Red Stag, Cruzan Rum flavor extensions, and Sauza Tequila Cocktail Cubes. - Responsible for instituting competitive pricing and ad tracker reporting systems that were not present before joining the organization.- Became only the second 10 time yearly winner of the prestigious Canadian Club Society Award in 2009.

Greater Chicago Area

- Managed the #2 Spirit portfolio in the industry in a 6 state region in the Midwest (IL/WI/MN/IA/ND/SD).- Generated $42.1M in revenue and gross profit (over 700,000 cases for the fiscal year).- Recognized as a top five depletions market in the U.S. for Makers Mark, Kahlua, Canadian Club, Stolichnaya Vodka, Malibu Rum, Sauza Tequilas, Courvoisier Cognac, Laphroaig, etc. - guided the distribution and sales plans/activities for 17 wholesalers in both the off and on premise. - Development of regional programming, budgeting, pricing, and sales execution of fist year targets.- Responsible for 12 direct reports in IL and 2 brokers with 23 sales representatives in the other 5 markets.- Recognized within Allied Domecq as the top metropolitan market in the country on the portfolio during the 2003 fiscal year.

- Heavy involvement for developing the structure of the national account coverage in the off premise segment of business for Allied Domecq.- Executed the national account responsibilities for accounts that incuded Jewel/Osco, Walgreens, Sam's Club, Costco, CVS, Rite-Aid, Schnucks, Shop N Save, Dominicks, and BJ's Wholesale Club- Major emphasis in the development of national programs, category management, and national sales presentations for the U.S. market.

Greater Chicago Area

- Managed a five- territory market for the sales and development of the E&J Gallo portfolio in the Chicagoland area.- Led the sales execuation of Gallo brands along with the development of the sales force for managment responsibilities/roles- Development of numerous high quality sales representatives for promotion to District Sales Manager positions.- Recruitment and interviewing of new sales reps throughout the major universities located in te IL/IN areas.

Marketing/Marketing Management, General

Business Classes

Activities and Societies: Attended business classes as a member of William Grant's Senior Leadership Committee to assist the company.