Ste. Michelle Wine Estates CEO Shawn Conway is moving to take the helm at rival U.S. wine group Far Niente Wine Estates. Conway takes on the role of permanent chief executive at the Napa Valley-based company, following the retirement of former CEO Steve Spadarotto in January.
Conway served as CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates from March 2023. Prior to that, he spent over a decade at Peet’s Coffee in senior posts including chief operating officer. He now takes the baton from Carol Reber, who had served as Far Niente Wine Estates’ CEO on an interim basis. Reber will assume the role of the company’s chairman. This leadership change signals a strategic infusion of executive experience into Far Niente Wine Estates, which has been searching for a permanent chief executive since the beginning of the year.
Why Collectors Should Care
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Executive Stability: Far Niente's appointment of a permanent, experienced CEO signals stable long-term strategic direction for a major Napa Valley producer.
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Ste. Michelle Strategy: The departure of Conway from Ste. Michelle comes amid strategic shifts there, prompting collectors to observe future portfolio direction and potential asset sales.
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Industry Talent Flow: The movement of a major executive from one large U.S. wine group to another reflects the high value placed on proven leadership in the competitive premium American wine sector.
