NEW YORK, Dec. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Purity Vodka AB, one of the fastest growing ultra-premium vodkas in the world, today announced that its Global President and CEO Andy Glaser would be leaving the company at the end of 2014. Glaser joined Purity three and half years ago.
During his time the start-up has grown quickly to become to a multi-million dollar revenue business, developed an award-winning brand and expanded distribution to 16 states in the US. In 2013, Purity was named a Technomic “Fast 50” – Brand to Watch. In 2014, the company launched a groundbreaking digital campaign with the actor Joel McHale.
“I am proud of the progress we have made as a small and fast growing business in the US and Internationally towards our vision of being a leading ultra-premium vodka brand,” said Glaser. “I’ve learned a lot about working in a start-up and entrepreneurial environment. I look forward to applying this to my next venture.”
During Glaser’s time with Purity, he led the brand’s development to become a pre-eminent category player in the emerging ultra-premium vodka space, with the brand reaching more than 95 Gold Medals for its Quality and Taste. On December 4, Purity was once again crowned Grand Vodka Master by The Spirits Business, continuing its unparalleled run as the only brand to receive this extraordinary honor for four consecutive years.
“I would like to thank Andy for his leadership and commitment in building our company from a small start-up to a rapidly developing and fast growing business, particularly in the USA,” said Purity Vodka Chairman, Goran Bernhoff. “Our progress is being recognized at many levels in the spirits industry and Andy’s contributions have been instrumental to get us to this point.”
Effective Dec. 9, 2014, the company’s Board of Directors has appointed Brian Citron, who formerly served as Vice President of Sales for Purity, as General Manager of the US business. Glaser will stay on through December 31 to support the transition.
Purity® Vodka has been awarded more than 95 Gold Medals by experts in the top blind tasting competitions around the world and is the first brand to earn the title of ‘Grand Vodka Master’ four years in a row at the Spirits Business Vodka Masters. With its heritage based in the 13th century Ellinge Castle in southern Sweden, Purity® Vodka sprang from Master Blender Thomas Kuuttanen’s lifelong quest to redefine the vodka category. The heart of Purity® Vodka is distilled 34 times using a specially designed still made of copper and gold, creating a spirit so refined that no filtration is necessary.