Anheuser-Busch Makes Moves in National Retail Sales Team

ST. LOUIS -- Anheuser-Busch is shuffling the deck in its National Retail Sales organization, making several key personnel moves that become effective next month. The organization, which is led by NRS Vice President Chris Williams, accounts for 25 percent of the company's sales volume.

Starting April 2, Manny Zayas will become vice president and team lead, Walmart, Sam's Club and Walmart International. Zayas came to A-B last year as vice president of convenience. In that role he merged the convenience and drug store channels to form the small format team. His background includes roles in sales and category management in snacks, carbonated soft drinks and beer.

Zayas moves into the position currently held by Kevin Meegan, who is returning to the role of retail sales director, Region 2. Over the 18 months, Meegan helped the company navigate several changes including a full restructure of the operations and merchandising team, according to the company.

As part of the personnel changes, Tony Gaines will replace Zayas as vice president, small format. Gaines recently joined the organization as senior director of sales managing 7-Eleven. His resume includes 20 years with E&J Gallo Winery, most recently managing the convenience and drug store channels.

"I look forward to new challenges and continuing the great work that [Zayas] and his team have done in small format," Gaines said. "I'm committed to continuing to drive his standards on improving the beer business in the channel and the overall business of Anheuser-Busch."

Despite the changes, some things will remain the same. Mike Potthoff will continue in his position as vice president, large format and Tom Toczylowski will continue as vice president, on-premise and military.