Miami, Florida-based Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has announced the retirement of Steve Harden, EVP and general manager, California, effective Jan. 1.
“Steve is leaving behind a tremendous 33-year legacy at Southern Glazer’s,” said Patrick Daul, president, Western region, Southern Glazer’s. “His profound experience, tremendous people skills, and servant leadership have been instrumental in building the Company’s success in California and beyond. We’ll miss having him on this team and will be forever grateful for his impact.”
Harden began his career with Southern Glazer’s in 1989 as a Sacramento Chain Account Executive and was appointed to general manager, Sacramento division two years later. Harden worked in various sales positions of responsibility at Southern Glazer’s, including Northern California general manager, SVP and general manager, Northern California. Prior to his recent role, he served as EVP, sales, California.
“Steve has been a key member of our team for more than three decades,” said Wayne E. Chaplin, CEO, Southern Glazer’s. “He has set a high standard and created a culture in California that has set the tone for others to follow. We are so thankful for all of the creativity he brought to Southern Glazer’s and are lucky that he spent his incredible career with us.”
“Not only has Steve consistently delivered results for our customers and suppliers, he also models what it means to be a great leader,” said John Wittig, chief commercial officer, Southern Glazer’s. “We wish Steve nothing but health and happiness in his retirement.”
An announcement for Harden’s replacement will be forthcoming. He will work closely with his successor to ensure a seamless transition.
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is a distributor of beverage alcohol, and is a multi-generational, family-owned company. The company has operations in 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Canada.
In 2022, Southern Glazer’s was listed as one of Forbes Best Employers for Diversity. In 2021, Southern Glazer’s was selected as a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, as well as named by Newsweek as a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace.
