I’d like to share some recent changes to the Merchandising team. These changes will further strengthen our ability to provide a best-in-class product assortment and efficient merchandising support to the business and our partners. 

  1. David Cacciottolo has been promoted to Sr. Director, Merchandising Operations. David has had a 20+ year career at the LCBO and has proven to be a strong leader over the years in many progressively senior roles within category and pricing teams. David was most recently the Sr. Category Manager in New World Wines where his leadership helped to develop a long-term strategy for the category. As the Director of Merchandising Operations, David will lead the operation teams (Pricing, Sale of Data, Direct Program, Reception, and the In-store tasting program) as well as many other key projects. David will now report to me. 
  2. Ann Patel has been promoted to Sr. Category Manager (South America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand). Ann will be taking over David’s portfolio as she brings extensive experience from her time as the Product Manager in European wines, and most recently as the Acting Category Manager for White Spirits. Ann will now report into Marie Cundari, Sr. Director of New World and Ontario Wines. 
  3. Aaron Pothier has been promoted to Sr. Category Manager, Ontario Wines. Aaron has been acting in this position for the past two years, and has successfully demonstrated his ability to think strategically, project manage and establish himself as a highly collaborative partner to the local wine industry. Aaron will continue to report to Marie Cundari, Sr. Director of New World and Ontario Wines. 
  4. Kirstie Cook has been promoted to Administrative Coordinator-VP Merchandising and will continue to be the point of contact for all trade communications for Merchandising. 
  5. Igor Ryjenkov (Manager, Product Classification and Education) is no longer with the organization. We thank Igor for his contributions throughout his tenure at the LCBO and we wish him well in his future endeavours. With Igor’s departure, please direct all urgent inquiries to Stacee Roth, Sr. Director of European Wines and Destination Collection.
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Please join me in congratulating David, Aaron, Ann, and Kirstie on their promotions, and please refer to the following contact list for our full team complement. 

Thank you,

Abhay Garg, Vice President, Merchandising