DSWE Appoints Stephen Kelley as French Portfolio Manager & Southeast Regional Manager

NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Domaine Select Wine Estates, a Manhattan based wine & spirits import and distribution company announces the appointment of Stephen Kelley as French Portfolio Manager and Southeast Regional Sales Manager. Mr. Kelley will be working closely with founder Paolo Domeneghetti on the management and development of the French estates in DSWE's portfolio. Mr. Kelley will also collaborate with the Vice Presidents of Sales, Brad Groper (Wine) and Jay Harkins (Spirits), to oversee the DSWE distribution network in six states as he assumes the role of Southeast Regional Manager.

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Mr. Kelley's successful career in the industry spans a period of more than 20 years of experience. Before joining DSWE, he was the National Portfolio Manager and Brand Ambassador for Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) with Pasternak Wine Imports. Prior to his role there he was the Director of Sales, NYC, for the Lauber Imports Fine Wine Division of Southern Wines & Spirits, New York.

"From all my work in wine (including running the French team at Lauber in NYC and managing an all-French team at Baron Francois), my goal has always been to work directly with and represent quality French producers. The opportunity with DSWE allows me to do so, while continuing to grow in a dynamic environment."

Immersion in French culture began for Mr. Kelley at age 11, when he accompanied his mother - who was also his French teacher - on a trip to France. Later, he returned to France to live for 2 years while completing his B.A. in French, allowing him the opportunity to become bilingual and gain exposure to some of the most classic French wines. Upon returning to the U.S. in the mid 1980's, Mr. Kelley landed positions first in Foreign language publishing, and later he ran the visa section at the French Consulate in Boston. His entry into the food and wine business began in 1991 at the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan.

Mr. Kelley also spent a significant amount of time during his career in the Southeast region of the U.S, while working with the Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) group where he expanded relationships with key on and off premise accounts and engaged in many consumer and trade events throughout Florida.

"We are thrilled by the addition of Stephen to the DSWE team," says Paolo Domeneghetti. "We took great effort in filling this role and we believe that Stephen is truly the perfect match for our portfolio and sales culture at DSWE. We look forward to the positive impact that he will have within our organization."

About Domaine Select Wine Estates

Founded in 1999, Domaine Select Wine Estates (DSWE) is dedicated to wines and specialized spirits from around the world of the highest quality and which demonstrate excellence and tremendous character, particular to their origin. DSWE is committed to transmitting the individuality of their producers; expressing diversity, tradition and personality is the tenet of DSWE. Domaine Select Wine Estates was named 2010 Importer of the Year by FOOD & WINE Magazine.

Contact: Livia Alyson Careaga
212-279-0799 or 917-273-0020 ~ [email protected]

SOURCE Domaine Select Wine Estates