Wine and spirits importer and distributor Quintessential is appointing Hugh Duncan as Vice President of California Wholesale.
With greater than three a long time of management expertise within the beverage trade, Hugh brings a deep background in gross sales administration, operational effectivity and provider growth to the function. His hiring comes as Quintessential is making investments in its California wholesale enterprise, based on the corporate, together with an upcoming growth of its portfolio.
Hugh not too long ago served as Govt Vice President and Common Supervisor for Republic Nationwide Distributing Firm (RNDC) in Hawaii, the place he led a workforce of 180 and almost doubled statewide income—from $88 million to $167 million. Underneath his management, RNDC’s Western Area achieved high year-over-year development pre- and post-pandemic, based on the corporate, whereas gross revenue margins improved and operational prices have been lowered by means of elevated efficiencies.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Hugh to Quintessential,” stated Dennis Kreps, co-owner of Quintessential, in a information launch. “His deep data of the California market, distinctive observe document, and robust commerce relationships will play a significant function as we proceed to increase our wholesale presence and ship world-class service to our companions.”
A well-regarded trade chief, Hugh has cultivated enduring provider partnerships and performed a pivotal function in broadening model portfolios throughout various markets. He persistently drives strategic development by onboarding new companions and surpassing nationwide gross sales targets, based on the corporate. His excellent efficiency has earned a number of nationwide awards for excellence in execution and collaboration.
Previous to RNDC, Hugh held key management roles at Brown-Forman Drinks Worldwide, Younger’s Market Firm, Gallo Wine Co. and Instances Grocery store. He has led multi-state groups and managed advanced portfolios throughout all main gross sales channels, based on the corporate, together with on-premise, off-premise, chains and army.
“I’m honored to affix Quintessential, a workforce devoted to genuine craftsmanship and long-term relationships,” stated Hugh within the launch. “California is a dynamic market, and I look ahead to contributing to the corporate’s continued development whereas staying true to those core ideas.”
Hugh has additionally been an energetic contributor to the trade and his neighborhood. He beforehand served on the boards of the Lodge and Restaurant Affiliation of Hawaii and the Hawaii Meals Business Affiliation and supported initiatives with the Hawaii Foodbank and the Hawaii Culinary Schooling Basis, based on the corporate.
He’s primarily based in California and assumes his new function efficient July fifteenth, 2025.
