•Suntory Global Spirits has named Nick Bock regional general manager, U.S. Control GBU. In his new role, Bock will be responsible for leading Suntory’s control state sales strategy, as well as its relationships with distributors and customers. Bock comes to the role with 15 years of experience at Suntory Global Spirits, having served as division vice president, California and Hawaii, and before that as commercial director, west region, among other roles. Block will report to the company’s U.S. chief commercial officer Dave Turo.

•Spain’s Freixenet has announced the passing of Josep Ferrer Sala, honorary co-chairman of the company, at the age of 99. Born in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia in 1925, Ferrer’s career spanned seven decades, during which he was one of the main architects of the Freixenet group, whose namesake brand remains a leading cava label internationally. Despite retiring from day-to-day duties in 1999, he continued to help guide the company, and in 2018 played an important role in the alliance between Freixenet and Germany’s Henkell. He’s also credited with creating the Freixenet Cordon Negro label, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.