Brian Albenze (center with scissors) is shown cutting a ribbon at CDI’s 2015 expansion celebration. Gene Luciana, Chief Financial Officer, Charmer Sunbelt Group; Terry Backer, State Representative; Charles Merinoff, Chief Executive Officer, Charmer Sunbelt Group; Brian Albenze; Stratford Mayor John Harkins; Laura Hoydick, State Representative.

New York’s Breakthru Beverage Group announced members of its leadership team who will oversee the company’s sales and commercial efforts. This team brings legacy Charmer Sunbelt and Wirtz Beverage operations executives together, including Connecticut’s Brian Albenze, who was named Executive Vice President, Commercial. Albenze will oversee capabilities, tools and strategies to enhance the company’s commercial platform, bringing added value to our suppliers and customers. Albenze has served as President of Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI) since 2010. Albenze assumed his new role on January 1, 2016 and will also remain with CDI until a replacement is named.