March 09--Wirtz Beverage Group said Monday that Danny Wirtz is taking over the role of president of the family beverage business from his father, Blackhawks Chairman Rocky Wirtz, who will now serve as the beverage company's chairman.
Also, Arthur Wirtz III, known as Art, was promoted to the new role of chief operating officer after serving as executive vice president of supply chain. Art Wirtz, 46, is a cousin to Rocky Wirtz.
Wirtz Beverage Group is a Chicago-based distributor of beer, wine and spirits. It has annual sales of nearly $2 billion with business in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Wisconsin and Canada.
In a memo to the company's employees, Rocky Wirtz, 62, said he intends "to remain active, even more so," in his new role as chairman.
"It's just the right time," Rocky Wirtz said in a phone call from a Wirtz Beverage conference in Florida. "I can spend more time on different growth opportunities in the business and Danny and Art can work day to day on it."
Wirtz Beverage Group is part of Wirtz Corp., known for its ownership of the Chicago Blackhawks. The family-owned company also is a co-owner of the United Center and has businesses in areas such as financial services, real estate and insurance.
Danny Wirtz, 38, has been with Wirtz Beverage since 2007, most recently as executive vice president. He will oversee day-to-day operations and report directly to the chairman.
jwohl@tribpub.com
