Groupe Bollinger appoints new deputy CEO

Groupe Bollinger’s board of directors has appointed Gonzague Villedey, sixth generation member of the Bollinger family, as deputy chief executive officer.

Villedey will succeed Gérard Bouleau in the role from 1 January 2025 following Bouleau’s retirement.

The group has gone through a period of development, having acquired three wine estates over the last four years. Its expansion included the purchase of Château d’Etroyes in Côte Chalonnaise, which it has since integrated into Chanson Père & Fils, as well as Hubert Brochard in Sancerre and Ponzi Vineyards in Oregon.

In a press release announcing Villedey’s appointment Groupe Bollinger said it would continue on the same growth path. “We will continue our development in this complex politically and economically uncertain environment with a particular focus on developing the desirability of our domains,” the company said.

Its next expansion move comes in the form of a boutique hotel in Aÿ, Champagne scheduled to open in 2029.

Etienne Bizot, chairman and CEO of Groupe Bollinger, said: “I am very pleased to entrust Gonzague with the mission of deputy chief executive officer. He will continue the transformation and development work initiated by Gérard Bouleau over the last four years. I am very grateful to Gérard for what he has managed to do with us – he has done it with great professionalism and humanity, thus remaining faithful to the values of our group: family spirit, excellence, entrepreneurship and responsibility. I therefore wish him a very happy retirement.

“I look forward to working with Gonzague in the coming years. Through his experience, dynamism and professionalism, he will continue to lead our teams in our various development projects. I wish him all the success he deserves in his new role with us.”

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