Rob Sands
Robert Scott Sands (born 1958/1959) is an American billionaire businessman, and the executive chair and former CEO of Constellation Brands, a Fortune 500 beer, wine and spirits company founded by his father Marvin Sands.
Rob Sands | |
---|---|
Born | 1958/1959 (age 61–62)[1] |
Nationality | American |
Education | The Harley School |
Alma mater | Skidmore College Pace University |
Occupation | Businessman |
Net worth | US$2.8 billion (October 2019)[1] |
Title | CEO, Constellation Brands, 2007-2019 Executive Chair, Constellation Brands |
Term | 2019-present |
Predecessor | Richard Sands |
Spouse(s) | Pamela Kaufman |
Parent(s) | Marvin Sands |
Relatives | Richard Sands (brother) |
Early life
Robert Scott Sands is the son of Marvin Sands, and has an older brother, Richard Sands.[2]
He grew up in Canandaigua, New York, and was educated at The Harley School, Rochester, New York, and graduated in 1976.[3] Sands earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Skidmore College, followed by a juris doctorate from Pace University.[1][4][5]
Career
Marvin Sands founded the Canandaigua Wine Company in 1945, aged 21.[6] By 1980, its annual sales topped $50 million, and was renamed Constellation Brands in 2000, and has acquired numerous companies including Robert Mondavi wine and Svedka vodka.[6] In 2013, it acquired the US rights to Grupo Modelo beers including Modelo and Corona.[6]
Sands started his career at the law firm of Harter Secrest & Emery LLP in Rochester, New York, and worked there for two years before joining the family business as general counsel in 1986.[5]
Sands was CEO of Constellation Brands from 2007 to 2019, succeeding his brother, Richard Sands.[7] In October 2018, he became the executive chairman at the company.[8]
Sands is a board member of Rochester General Health Systems, Thompson Hospital, Rochester Business Alliance, and chairman of the New York Wine and Culinary Center.[3]
Personal life
Sands is married to Pamela Sands (nee Kaufman), and lives in Canandaigua, New York.[1]
References
- "Forbes profile: Robert Sands". Forbes. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
- "R. S. Sands Married To Nancy Zingesser". nytimes.com. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
- "Lives of Great Purpose: Rob Sands '76". www.harleyschool.org. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
- Deckert, Andrea (20 November 2009). "Company leader stays in good spirits". rbj.net. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
- Kirsch, Noah. "How Two Brothers Built Their Family Wine Business Into A $40 Billion Alcohol Empire". forbes.com. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
- "Rob Sands Takes Reins From Brother at Constellation Brands". adage.com. 2007-06-28. Retrieved 2019-10-23.
- Wang, Christine (2018-10-17). "Constellation Brands CEO Rob Sands will step down in March". CNBC. Retrieved 2019-10-23.