Hugh Lander, CSS
Last August, SWE welcomed in a new president as well as a new Board of Directors. Over the next few weeks, we will be posting a series of articles to introduce our new leaders. Today, we would like to introduce a new member of SWE’s Board of Directors, Hugh Lander, CSS!
Hugh Lander’s first foray into wine and spirits education began in 1986 when he was asked to recommend a wine to serve with Thanksgiving Dinner. His suggestion—Blue Nun—was a resounding success and since that day, he has racked up over three decades of experience in the wine and spirits industry.
While Hugh has worked in the retail, distributor, and supplier sides of the industry, his focus for the last 20 years has centered on learning & development. His work history includes such companies as the former Charmer-Sunbelt companies, Diageo and MillerCoors.
Since 2011, Hugh has served as Rémy-Cointreau America’s Director of Commercial Training, covering North America, Latin America & the Caribbean, as well as South America. Hugh—a recognized expert in change management, sales capability training and leadership development—has global training experience and world-class presentation and facilitation skills. We are lucky to have him on board!
When asked about his goals as a new board member for the Society of Wine Educators, High replies, “I’d like to leverage my decades in the spirits industry to increase the number of people sitting for the CSS or CSE certifications and partner with distributors who want to offer SWE certifications to their associates.”
Hugh has been a frequent (and very well-received) speaker at a number of SWE’s in-person conferences, virtual conferences, and webinars. He is also a veteran of the United States Air Force where–small world–he served with former member of the SWE Board, Valerie Caruso. He currently lives in Orange County, California with his wife and two children, where he is active in community projects and career coaching.
Welcome to the Board, Hugh Lander, CSS!