Constellation Brands senior executive Andy Berk is to retire.
Berk is a member of Constellation Brands' executive management committee and president and chief executive officer of Constellation Services. He will retire on 31 May 2009.
As part of the transition, Berk will stay on as a consultant for one year, and will continue to serve on Crown Imports' board of directors and participate in Constellation's Executive Management Committee.
Constellation brands CEO Rob Sands said: "Andy and his teams at Barton and Constellation Beers and Spirits have played an integral role transforming Constellation Brands into a global leader in the beverage alcohol industry.
"His expertise and leadership have been vital to the growth of our company and helped set Constellation on a path for continued success."
Berk joined Barton Incorporated in 1990 as president and chief operating officer, and continued in that role after Barton merged with Constellation Brands in 1993. He was named president and CEO of Barton Incorporated in 1998 and appointed CEO of Constellation Beers and Spirits in 2003. In addition to his work with Constellation, Berk has been active in various industry trade associations, including an almost three-year stint as chairman of Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and managing director of The Century Council.