Ste Michelle names new CEO

Washington wine group Ste Michelle has announced that CEO Jim Mortensen will retire at the end of the month, with David Dearie stepping into the role on 1 November.

Mortensen said of his time at the group: “The opportunity to work at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates was a wonderful privilege. I am immensely proud of the work this organisation has accomplished.

“Our team made great strides in modernising infrastructure, establishing e-commerce and omnichannel marketing, crafting innovative products, and earning high acclaim for our wine. My decision to retire allows me to pursue ventures and passions which I set aside a few years ago.”

Dearie (pictured) is an industry veteran of over 30 years and was previously CEO of Treasury Wine Estates, managing director Australia/New Zealand for Fosters Wine Group and prior to that sent a decade in senior management positions at Brown-Forman.

He said: “Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is renowned for its outstanding portfolio of premium wine brands, crafted and built by a dedicated and highly motivated team of professionals.

“I have long admired the company and am honored to lead Ste. Michelle in the next phase of its journey. I’m excited to work with the team in growing Ste. Michelle’s wonderful portfolio of brands and I would like to thank Jim for his great stewardship of the company and wish him a happy and healthy retirement.”