FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dean R. Argo
(334) 213-6330
Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control
Board Administrator Mac Gipson announced today that Neil Graff, a longtime
spirits industry professional, is assuming the position of chief operations
officer for the Product Management Division. Graff began his new duties today,
Monday, April 10, 2017.
“We are delighted to have someone
with Neil’s experience and knowledge lead Product Management,” stated Gipson. “Neil
posessess strong leadership skills, has an extensive background in product and
category management, and built healthy relationships with manufacturers and
distributors around the globe. We are happy to welcome him aboard.”
Graff comes to the ABC Board from
Southern Wine & Spirits, based in Pennsylvania, where he served as Vice President
and General Manager of the firm’s American Liberty Division. Prior to that, he managed
teams for Pernod Ricard, Jim Beam, and E&J Gallo. Graff is a graduate of
Auburn University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public
Relations.
As chief operations officer, Graff
will be responsible for planning and directing the purchasing,
in-transportation, warehousing, distribution and wholesale/retail sales
operations of the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. He will oversee the planning and directing of
the major programs of Stores Operations and Sales and Products Division. Additionally,
he’ll direct programs for merchandising, sales, purchasing, budgeting,
scheduling, staffing, and overall operations.
Longtime ABC Product/Stores General
Manager Randall Smith has announced his anticipated retirement. Consequently, the
merit classification and position has recently been retitled as ABC Chief Operations
Officer to more adequately describe its responsibilities.