Purnell, 60, Retires From Anheuser-Busch
e vice president at Anheuser-Busch Companies here, retired from his position effective March 31.
He served as a member of the corporate office since 1998, along with August Busch, chairman and president, and Patrick T. Stokes, senior executive vice president.
He helped develop the company's "We All Make a Difference" national advertising campaign, which promotes responsible drinking.
He was named chairman and CEO of Anheuser-Busch International in 1981 and led the global subsidiary for 18 years before assuming his most recent title.
Purnell, 60, will continue to attend Anheuser-Busch planning meetings and will serve as a board member for the company's Grupo Modelo, a Mexican brewer whose brands include Corona.
Kreuscher Leads Meridian's Chocolate Drink Division
BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Eugene A. Kreuscher has been named president of the newly formed chocolate drink division at Meridian USA Holdings, here.
Prior to this appointment, he served as president of the soft drink division of Austin Nichol's & Co., which was responsible for the manufacturing, distribution, sales and marketing of Yoo-Hoo and Orangina soft drinks.
Kreuscher has also held executive positions with Canada Dry, C&C Cola and Kirsch/No-Cal Beverages.
Meridian's subsidiaries -- The Old Fashioned Syrup Co. and ChampionLyte, a sports drink division -- develop, market and sell sugar-free, fat-free and cholesterol-free products to retailers nationwide.
Roper Promoted to Top Spot at Boston Beer Co.
BOSTON -- Martin Roper has been promoted from his position as president to chief executive officer of The Boston Beer Co. here.
Roper joined the company in 1994 as vice president of operations and was promoted to chief operating officer in 1997 and then to president in 1999.
Former CEO Jim Koch will retain the title of chairman and brewer of the company, which he founded it in 1984.
Tsai Hired as President of Luna Vineyards
NAPA, Calif. -- Mary Ann Tsai has joined Luna Vineyards as its new president. She succeeds Luna's founder, George Vare, who will remain a co-chair of Luna's board of directors.
Tsai will oversee all aspects of the winery's operations, including sales, marketing and production.
Previously she served as vice president of marketing for Beringer Wine Estates' Luxury Portfolio, where her duties included marketing all of Beringer's Reserve program, as well as the brands of Chateau Souverain, Chateau St. Jean, Stag's Leap Winery and St. Clement Vineyards.
Fante Joins john conti Coffee Co. as Sales Manager
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Stephen Fante has been named institutional sales manager at the John Conti Coffee Co., with responsibilities for the maintenance and acquisition of new business.
Fante has been with the company since 1991 and has served as route salesman, wholesale manager and territory manager in charge of the entire downtown Louisville area.
The John Conti Coffee Co. is a regional importer, roaster and distributor of gourmet coffees for supermarkets and specialty stores.
Johnson, Smiley Obtain New Positions at Delicato
NAPA, Calif. -- Kym Johnson has joined Delicato Family Vineyards here as brand director, with responsibilities for Delicato's super-premium Monterra wine brand; the winery's new ultra-premium wine brand, Delicato Monterey Vine Select; and other new products.
Prior to joining the winery, she served as senior brand manager at Mattel Interactive in Novato, Calif.
In other company news, Robert H. Smiley has been elected to the Delicato Family Vineyards board of directors.
Smiley is a dean at the University of California Davis Graduate School of Management. Prior to joining UC Davis, he served as a professor of economics and policy, associate dean for academic affairs, at Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell University.
