Blue Caterpillar names Gonzalo Garcia Olazabal as Area Sales Manager for South America
Blue Caterpillar has announced the appointment of Gonzalo Garcia Olazabal as the new Area Sales Manager for South America. With over 12 years of experience in the wine and spirits industry, Gonzalo brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success in brand building, strategic marketing, and commercial management.
Gonzalo's distinguished career includes working with iconic brands such as Jack Daniels, Bombay Sapphire, Grey Goose, Bacardi, and Patron Tequila. His strategic mindset and extensive experience in brand building, strategic marketing, and commercial operations make him an ideal fit for Blue Caterpillar's dynamic team.
In his most recent role as Portfolio Marketing Manager for Bacardi Brazil, Uruguay & Paraguay (BUP), Gonzalo managed consumer marketing for a diverse portfolio of renowned brands, including Gin Bombay Sapphire, Vodka Grey Goose, Patron Tequila, Whisky Dewars, Angel's Envy, Bacardi Rum, and Martini Vermouth. He successfully led a team of four direct reports, achieving top-line net sales of over $30 million USD and managing A&P investments exceeding $4 million USD. Gonzalo's efforts resulted in a 5% increase in market share for Bombay and Grey Goose in Brazil and a 6-point expansion in weighted distribution for Dewars.
Gonzalo's career progression also includes notable positions such as Brand Manager Whiskies Portfolio at Bacardi Brazil, Business Development & Sales Export Manager at Juanico Winery, and Brand Manager for Jack Daniel’s Flavors/Premium Brands at Brown Forman Brazil. His accomplishments include leading the launch of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire in Brazil and achieving a 70% uplift in sales at Juanico Winery through market penetration and e-commerce strategies.
Fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, Gonzalo's bicultural background and global experience have equipped him with strong organizational, project management, and communication skills. 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.
"I am thrilled to join Blue Caterpillar and contribute to the growth and success of our brands in South America," said Gonzalo Garcia Olazabal. "I look forward to leveraging my experience and skills to drive strategic initiatives and strengthen our market presence."
"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," said Michael Gebrael, Co-Founder & CEO at Blue Caterpillar.
Blue Caterpillar is confident that Gonzalo's appointment will further enhance its commitment to excellence and innovation in the South American market. His leadership and expertise will play a crucial role in achieving the company's strategic goals and expanding its footprint in the region.
To celebrate this exciting announcement, Mr. Garcia will be available for meetings and discussions with industry peers, commercial partners, and brand stakeholders at Blue Caterpillar's Stand in the Green Village, Stand J53, during the Tax Free World Association Cannes 2024 event, scheduled in October. This presents a unique opportunity for networking and gaining insights into the future of the South Americas market place.
