E-Malt.com News article: 4358

USA: Heineken USA Inc. announced on March 3 that Don J. Blaustein has joined America's largest beer importer as Vice President of Sales. Mr. Blaustein previously was Vice President, Global Sales for Molson Inc. He replaces Peter Dadzis, who resigned from HUSA in January, .

"We are extremely pleased and proud to welcome Don to Heineken USA," said Frans van der Minne, Heineken USA President. "His extensive industry experience and extraordinary track record, both in sales and management, convinced us that he is the one to lead our sales team as we continue to grow Heineken USA. We have added a true industry leader to our management team."

Mr. Blaustein said of his new appointment, "I have always admired the Heineken portfolio of brands and Heineken's ability to protect the integrity of its flagship brand, while consistently growing its business. I am thrilled to join a company that brings a premium product to market, and has a brand with a rich European heritage that stands for quality, responsibility and innovation. It is a pleasure to join the Heineken USA organization and to help continue to gain share in the American market."

At Molson, Mr. Blaustein expanded the international export presence of Molson's brand portfolio, including the successful launch of Molson brands in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Mr. Blaustein spent 16 years at Diageo/Guinness LTD. He held a number of positions including: Managing Director of Guinness Australasia; President, Guinness Caribbean & Latin American Region; President, Guinness Canada; Vice President, Sales & Marketing; Vice President Marketing; and Group Marketing Manager.

Recently, Mr. Blaustein was actively involved in the development of Euphoria Water Company, a company grounded in the principle of social responsibility and committed to donating a minimum of 20 percent of its profits to charity. It is the only bottled water in the country to have exclusive co-branding rights with major national charities, specifically March of Dimes, City of Hope, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Mr. Blaustein is a graduate of Washington University (St. Louis). He received his MBA in marketing and finance from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University. He started his career in the beverage industry at Kraft/General Foods Corporation. He is married to noted art historian Roni Feinstein, and has two children.

Heineken USA Inc., the nation's largest beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International (Netherlands), which is the world's most international brewer. Brands imported into the U.S. include: Heineken Lager, the world's most international beer brand; Heineken Dark; Amstel Light, the largest- selling imported light beer brand; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from FEMSA Cerveza of Mexico.


05 March, 2005