Corwin Beverage Company has named Keith Richards as its new CEO.
The Ridgefield-based beverage company had been without a chief executive since last summer, when then-CEO Ron Lloyd announced his resignation after only holding the position for two months.
Richards has 30 years of private business distribution leadership experience across numerous industries including flowers, video gaming, petroleum and home furnishings.
In his new role, Richards envisions growth across Corwin’s three primary segments, including large retailers, convenience and gas stations, and on-premise clients including businesses and schools.
“Corwin is a strong family-owned regional distribution company with a proud 75-year history, passionate staff and trusted relationships,” said Richards in a press release. “By investing in talent and technology, Corwin will further develop its position as the customer, vendor and employer of choice while doubling sales revenues by 2020.”
Richards is pursuing a growth plan that strengthens the company’s core business as a regional distributor of Pepsi and Dr. Pepper products, while welcoming opportunities to leverage its network by distributing complementary food, beverage and related product brands, the company said.
A Seattle native, Richards has an MBA in leadership, entrepreneurship and organizational development from Grand Canyon University, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Central Washington University. He began his career with the accounting giant Ernst and Young.
Corwin Beverage Company has been serving clients in Southwest Washington since 1941.
