Premium spirits distributor Blue Caterpillar has named Gonzalo Garcia Olazabal as its new Area Sales Manager for South America.
Olazabal brings 12 years of experience in the wine & spirits industry to the role, with a focus on brand building, strategic marketing and commercial management.
He previously served as Portfolio Marketing Manager for Bacardi Brazil, Uruguay & Paraguay, overseeing consumer marketing for a diverse line-up of popular brands. These include Gin Bombay Sapphire, Vodka Grey Goose, Patron Tequila, Whisky Dewars, Angel’s Envy, Bacardi Rum and Martini Vermouth.
Olazabal was lauded for successfully leading a team of four direct reports, achieving top-line net sales of over US$30 million and managing A&P investments exceeding US$4 million. His contributions led to a +5% increase in market share for Bombay and Grey Goose in Brazil and a six-point expansion in weighted distribution for Dewars.
Aside from his previous position with Bacardi, Olazabal’s career in the industry includes roles with major brands such as Jack Daniels, Bombay Sapphire, Grey Goose and Patron Tequila.
Fluent in Spanish, English and Portuguese, Olazabal’s bicultural background and global experience have boosted his organisational, project management and communication skills, noted Blue Caterpillar.
He holds an MBA from Eastern Kentucky University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with an Economics Minor from Berea College, where he was also the captain of the soccer team.
Olazabal said: “I am thrilled to join Blue Caterpillar and contribute to the growth and success of our brands in South America. I look forward to leveraging my experience and skills to drive strategic initiatives and strengthen our market presence.”
Blue Caterpillar Co Founder & CEO Michael Gebrael commented: “In light of Mr Garcia’s career accomplishments, strategic acumen, and deep-rooted expertise in Latin America markets, we are confident that he is the right leader to steer our growth in these markets.”
Blue Caterpillar said it is confident that Olazabal’s appointment will help strengthen its commitment to excellence and innovation in the South American market.
His leadership and expertise will be key to achieving Blue Caterpillar’s strategic goals and expansion in the region, the company added.
Blue Caterpillar will be exhibiting at the TFWA World Exhibition to be held in Cannes on 30 September (Green Village, Stand J53). ✈
