Rob Sands should not be confused with Rob Sand.
| Rob Sands | |
| Birth Date: | [1] |
| Nationality: | American |
| Education: | The Harley School |
| Alma Mater: | Skidmore College Pace University |
| Occupation: | Businessman |
| CEO, Constellation Brands, 2007-2019 Executive Chair, Constellation Brands | |
| Term: | 2019-present |
| Predecessor: | Richard Sands |
| Spouse: | Pamela Kaufman |
| Parents: | Marvin Sands |
| Relatives: | Richard Sands (brother) |
Robert Scott Sands (born 1958/59) is an American billionaire businessman, and the executive chair and former CEO of Constellation Brands, a Fortune 500 beer, wine and spirits company founded by his father Marvin Sands.
Robert Scott Sands is the son of Marvin Sands, and has an older brother, Richard Sands.[2]
He grew up in Canandaigua, New York, and was educated at The Harley School in Rochester, New York, graduating in 1976.[3] Sands earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Skidmore College, followed by a juris doctor from Pace University.[1] [4] [5]
Marvin Sands founded the Canandaigua Wine Company in 1945, aged 21.[6] By 1980, its annual sales topped $50 million, was renamed Constellation Brands in 2000, and has acquired numerous companies including Robert Mondavi wine and Svedka vodka.[6] In 2013, it acquired the US rights to Grupo Modelo beers including Modelo and Corona.[6]
Sands started his career at the law firm of Harter Secrest & Emery LLP in Rochester, New York, and worked there for two years before joining the family business as general counsel in 1986.[5]
Sands was CEO of Constellation Brands from 2007 to 2019, succeeding his brother, Richard Sands.[7] In October 2018, he became the executive chairman of the company.[8]
Sands is a board member of Rochester General Health Systems, Thompson Hospital, Rochester Business Alliance, and chairman of the New York Wine and Culinary Center.[3]
In 2016, along with his brother and mother, "Mickey", donated $61 million to the Rochester Area Community Foundation, the single largest gift in its history.[9]
In 1986, Sands married Jessica Nancy Zingesser.[10] Sands is married to Pamela Sands (nee Kaufman) and lives in Canandaigua, New York.[1]