Heineken USA Makes Executive Moves

Heineken USA, America’s top upscale beer importer, has appointed Stacey M. Tank SVP of corporate relations and Jeffrey Colbert region VP sales, central region,

Beginning her duties on Jan. 3, 2012, Tank joins Heineken USA from New York-based  General Electric (GE), where she most recently led corporate relations for “Healthymagination,” GE’s $6 billion commitment to bringing better health to more people. Additionally, she headed the launch of a $1 billion global cancer campaign in September 2011, which included a $100 million open innovation challenge regarding breast cancer diagnostics.

Earlier, Tank was CFO for GE Water’s North American custom equipment business in Boston. As a member of corporate audit, she led teams at GE Healthcare in Canada and Mexico; GE Energy in Canada, Brazil and China; and NBC Universal in Europe. Her career at GE began as a member of GE’s Communications Leadership Development Program with assignments in Paris; Milwaukee, Wis.; and Fairfield, Conn.

“Stacey’s global experience and leadership is a brilliant addition to the Heineken USA team,” noted Dolf van den Brink, president and CEO of White Plains, N.Y.-based Heineken USA. “As we aim to continue our leadership position in the Corporate Relations area, [we will] utilize Stacey’s capabilities to reach our company objectives.”

In his new role, which has already begun, Colbert reports to SVP of Sales Scott Blazek and is responsible for driving HUSA performance and delivering results through the effective management of regional resources. He’s based in the company’s Chicago office.

“Jeff brings a strong history of leadership and success in the beverage industry to the Heineken USA sales management team,” said Blazek. “[H]e will lead a team of more than 80 sales and marketing professionals to drive business results and establish a success-oriented culture in the region.”

Colbert will be responsible for establishing central region objectives, strategies and tactics, as well as guiding account planning. He will also oversee relationships with distributor partners and key regional accounts, in addition to assessing and improving the effectiveness of retail executions that support brand development, to ensure delivery of company objectives.

Colbert brings more than 26 years of sales and marketing management experience to his new position. His most recent role was that of SVP of sales and marketing at the Tenth & Blake Beer Co. in Chicago, where he guided the company’s overall commercial strategy and business development, including sales, brand marketing, innovation, channel marketing and customer solutions, along with the organization’s internally focused learning and development goals.

Before Tenth & Blake, Colbert held several positions of increased responsibility in the beer industry, among them region VP, southwest for MillerCoors; Area VP, south central region for Coors Brewing Co.; region VP, southern region for MolsonCoors; and general manager southwest region for the Miller Brewing Co.. Prior to working in the beer industry, Colbert held sales and general management roles with Coca-Cola Enterprises in Massachusetts.