Richard Sands is the executive vice chair of Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), the leading premium wine company in the world, and the #1 beer importer and the #3 beer company in the U.S.
During the 1990s and 2000s, under his direction, Constellation acquired numerous wine companies that included such legendary brands as Robert Mondavi, Simi, Clos du Bois and Franciscan Estates. Over the course of this expansion, the company purchased wineries in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom. Today, it retains its Canadian and New Zealand operations. In addition to growing its wine portfolio, Constellation expanded through acquisition to become the importer of the Modelo family of brands, which includes Corona Extra, the number one imported beer in the U.S. Additionally Richard led the acquisitions of key spirits brands including SVEDKA Vodka, Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy and Black Velvet Canadian Whisky.
In 2007 under Richard’s leadership, Constellation Brands entered into a joint venture with Grupo Modelo for the distribution of a number of imported beer brands including Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo, Pacifico and Victoria. In June of 2013, Constellation acquired the remaining portion of the beer joint venture along with a state-of-the-art brewery in Mexico and perpetual rights to produce the Grupo Modelo brands in the U.S. With the completion of this acquisition the company’s gross sales reach close to $6 billion, further cementing Constellation Brands as the largest multi-category supplier of beverage alcohol to distributors and retailers in the U.S.
Constellation is headquartered in Rochester, New York where Richard resides with his wife and 6 children. He is actively involved in education and early childhood development organizations and serves as Chairman of Education Enterprises of New York. Richard serves on the board of trustees for the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology. He is also Chairman of the Friends of the Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center and Chairman of Cerion.