Republic National Distributing Company and Breakthru Beverage Group announced the appointment of Nicholas Mehall as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of their proposed combined organization. Upon closing of the proposed transaction, Mehall will report directly to current RNDC President and CEO Tom Cole, who was previously named Chief Executive Officer of the new combined company.
In his role, Mehall will have the leadership responsibility for the company’s financial performance, planning and reporting, funding, and risk management, among other strategic initiatives supporting the new company’s future growth as a distributor.
“I am pleased to announce Nick’s appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,” said RNDC President & CEO Tom Cole. “His industry knowledge, financial acumen and proven track record of success make him the ideal selection for this role. His innovative and results-oriented mindset will help drive continued growth for the combined company of RNDC and Breakthru.”
Gene Luciana, currently Chief Financial Officer of Breakthru Beverage Group, will serve in a key integration role with the new combined company to ensure a successful transition while providing strategic support.
Breakthru Beverage Group President & CEO Greg Baird, who will serve as Chief Integration Officer once the RNDC-BBG merger is finalized, commented, “Nick has excellent experience, and we believe that he is the right person for the role. I am also extremely pleased that Gene will be working alongside us during the critical integration period of our new company. Gene is an industry legend, and his knowledge and experience will continue to be invaluable.”
Mehall joined RNDC in 2017 as Chief Financial Officer after five years with Diageo North America, Inc., where he held a number of progressive leadership roles in the Controllership and Commercial Finance functions. Prior to that, Mehall spent 10 years with KPMG, LLP in Cleveland, London and New York areas. There, he held a number of key leadership roles in the audit practice in both the U.S. and U.K. firms.
The appointment will be effective upon the successful completion of the proposed merger transaction, which is expected to close during the second calendar quarter of 2018, subject to appropriate regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.