Southern Wine & Spirits of America Inc. Appoints Lafranconi as Director of Mixology

Brad Vassar, executive vice president and general manager of Southern Wine & Spirits of America Inc., the country’s largest wine and spirits distributor with operations currently in 26 states, has announced the appointment of Francesco Lafranconi as the company’s Director of Mixology. The corporate level appointment is effective immediately.
    “Southern Wine & Spirits of America has a long history of spirits and wine education leadership, and we are extremely proud that someone of Francesco’s professional stature and qualifications is more than prepared to take on the challenges and responsibilities of this new corporate position,” Vassar said. “Going forward, Francesco’s role will be to work in conjunction with our national accounts team to assist our customers in developing creative cocktail programs. He will also work in conjunction with our company’s six expert mixologists from Maui to Miami to produce ‘Best-in-Class’ training materials for Southern Wine & Spirits salespeople and our customers throughout the country.”
    Ken Kribel, vice president, national accounts, with Southern, added, “Francesco’s appointment underscores Southern’s overall commitment to and relentless drive for delivering outstanding customer service. Francesco will work closely with our team of six talented mixologists.” Lafranconi will report to Kribel.
    “Previously serving as director of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada’s Academy of Spirits & Fine Service, which he founded, Mr. Lafranconi has presided over a unique educational program in the United States, where during his tenure he has trained over 1,000 bartenders through his 12-week academy,” Vassar said.