Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Announces Michael Hertz as New Chairman

WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/01/2026 - Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) today elected Michael Hertz, President of United Distributors, as Chairman of the association's Board of Directors. Hertz succeeds Cutter Smith, Co-President of Eder-Goodman, who has completed his one-year term as Chairman.

"I'm honored to take on this role and grateful for the trust of my fellow members," said Michael Hertz. "Our industry is navigating significant change, and we'll continue to adapt and evolve, as we always have. By working together and staying focused on our businesses, we can address the challenges in front of us and keep our industry strong for the future. My focus as Chairman will be keeping our industry connected and make sure WSWA continues to be a clear, credible voice for the wholesale tier."

Hertz will serve a one-year term as Chairman following two years of WSWA Board ascension roles. Like many wine and spirts wholesalers, United Distributors is a multi-generational family business, and Hertz represents the fourth generation of his family to serve in company leadership.

Founded in 1940 in Atlanta, United Distributors is the largest beverage alcohol wholesaler in both Georgia and Alabama. Hertz assumes the chairmanship at an important time for the beverage alcohol marketplace, as companies across the industry respond to evolving consumer preferences, changing demand, cost pressures and consolidation.

"On behalf of WSWA and our members, I want to thank Cutter Smith for his leadership over the past year," said Francis Creighton, WSWA President and CEO. "Cutter brought a steady hand during a demanding time for our industry. His leadership and commitment to our members made a real difference. I look forward to working with Michael and benefitting from his experience and perspective he'll bring to this role, as we continue to strengthen the value WSWA delivers to our members."

Read Hertz's address to WSWA members here.

About Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America

WSWA is the national trade association representing the distribution tier of the wine and spirits industry, dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of distributors and brokers of wine and spirits. Founded in 1943, WSWA has more than 380 member companies in 50 states and the District of Columbia, and its members distribute more than 80 percent of all wine and spirits sold at wholesale in the United States.

To learn more, please visit www.wswa.org or connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or X.

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