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Jack Edwards Appointed President of Johnson Brothers

Johnson Brothers is proud to announce the appointment of Jack Edwards as its new President. Edwards will lead the continued development of the company’s differentiated commercial approach, emphasizing execution, accountability, and complete transparency with its supplier partners.

Edwards joins Johnson Brothers after serving as President of North America for illycaffè, a super-premium Italian coffee company, where he led the company’s largest focus market. During his tenure at illy, Edwards successfully drove significant growth, strengthened customer relationships, and elevated the company’s position as a leader in the premium coffee industry.

Before joining illycaffè, Edwards spent nearly two decades with Diageo, where he most recently served as the Commercial Leader for The Diageo Beer Company. In that role, he managed a network of approximately 400 distributors, driving the success of iconic brands such as Guinness and Smirnoff Ice. Prior to overseeing Diageo Beer, Edwards was the Senior Vice President and General Manager responsible for one of Diageo’s largest Spirits and Wine Divisions in the US. Jack’s time at Diageo also included key roles in Sales, Trade Marketing, and Finance.

“Jack’s extensive experience with premium brands and his proven industry experience make him uniquely qualified to lead Johnson Brothers into our next phase of growth,” said Mark Hubler, CEO, Johnson Brothers. “His passion for execution and accountability will further strengthen our commitment to delivering exceptional service and results for our supplier partners and customers.”

Edwards holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University in Chicago as well as an Accounting Degree from Bryant University. He started his career as a licensed CPA, working as an auditor for KPMG.

Johnson Brothers Announces Key Leadership Promotions

Johnson Brothers, a leading distributor of wine, beer, and spirits, announces two leadership promotions effective January 1, 2025. AJ Atta has been named President of the West Region, overseeing operations in Minnesota, Hawaii, Iowa, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Scott Cash has been appointed President of the East Region, managing operations in Florida, Indiana, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia, along with the United Johnson Brothers partnership in Alabama/Mississippi.

Atta, who joined Johnson Brothers in 2016, has been a key driver of growth through strategic partnerships and innovation, previously serving as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Minnesota. “AJ’s leadership has been essential to our success, and we’re excited for him to take on this expanded role,” said George Marsden, Chief Commercial Officer.

“I’m honored to take on this new role and continue building on the strong foundation we’ve created in the West,” said Atta. “Our teams consistently surpass expectations, and I’m eager to work alongside them as we drive growth and deliver value to our customers and suppliers.”

Cash, who joined during the 2018 acquisition of Mutual Distributing, has led significant growth in North Carolina and previously served as Vice President and General Manager. “Scott’s expertise will be vital as we continue to expand in the East,” said Marsden.

“I’m incredibly proud of our achievements in North Carolina and the strong relationships we’ve built with customers and suppliers,” said Cash. “I look forward to continuing that momentum across the East Region, focusing on delivering excellence and driving innovation.”

Both leaders will focus on driving growth, operational excellence, and strengthening supplier partnerships in their respective regions.

Johnson Brothers Expands Relationship with Whitehall Lane Winery

Johnson Brothers, a family-owned and operated distributor since 1953, is excited to announce the expansion of its partnership with Whitehall Lane Winery into the Nebraska market beginning October 1. This move adds to existing collaboration in Hawaii, Indiana, and North Carolina. The luxury division of Johnson Brothers, Oxford Street Merchants, will oversee management of the portfolio.

Whitehall Lane, a family-owned Napa Valley winery, is renowned for its exceptional hospitality and authentic wines, primarily crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals. Since acquiring the winery in 1993, the Leonardini family has upheld traditional winemaking values while embracing innovation, sustainable practices, and diversity. Their commitment to modern technology, eco-friendly farming, and creative winemaking ensures a warm, approachable experience for wine lovers, preserving the winery’s legacy for future generations.

“Johnson Brothers shares our family-owned values and commitment to quality, making them the ideal partner to help us extend our reach in Nebraska,” said Tom Leonardini II, Proprietor and Vice President of Whitehall Lane Winery. “We look forward to sharing the distinctive character and tradition of Whitehall Lane wines with even more Nebraskans through this collaboration.”

“We are pleased to further our partnership with Whitehall Lane, a family-owned winery that shares our passion for quality and commitment to excellence,” said Yale Johnson, President of Sales for Johnson Brothers, who leads Oxford Street Merchants. “Together, we look forward to driving the business to new heights throughout the Cornhusker state.”