Claudia Schubert, Diageo’s NA President + COO Named Industry Executive of the Year

Diageo announced this week that Claudia Schubert, North America President, and Chief Operating Officer, has received the “Industry Executive of the Year” award. The award was bestowed by Market Watch /Shanken Communications and is one of the highest awards in U.S. wine and spirits which is voted on by industry peers.

Claudia is the first woman to win this award and joins a list of past recipients that includes some of the biggest names in beverage alcohol. The inaugural executive to receive the same award 16 years ago was Diageo’s beloved late global CEO, Ivan Menezes.

Market Watch states:

“With more than 20 years in the drinks industry, Claudia has held a series of leadership roles at Diageo both in the U.S. and internationally, overseeing growth for a formidable portfolio of brands including Crown Royal, Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, and Don Julio among many others. Today, she is at the top echelon of management for Diageo’s North American sector.”

Recipient Claudia Schubert, says:

“As the first female recipient of this award I am proud to be a part of how this industry has evolved. Market Watch’s recognition is also a recognition of our entire Diageo North America team, and our unrelenting support of advancing the industry. I am infinitely proud of the work we do at Diageo, and the work the industry is doing as a whole to be more inclusive, sustainable and committed to responsibility. Together we can continue to do so much more to raise the bar for the future.”

Caroline Frey brings two iconic wines into La Place de Bordeaux

Domaine La Chapelle has announced this week, the inclusion of two of its most renowned wines, La Chapelle and Le Chevalier de Sterimberg, into Bordeaux La Place.

“This marks a significant milestone for La Chapelle as we proudly associate ourselves with the esteemed wines of La Place de Bordeaux,” stated Caroline Frey, President and winemaker of Domaine La Chapelle. Reflecting on the heritage of the vineyard, Frey further shared, “The hill of La Chapelle, once tended by the Chevalier de Sterimberg in the 13th century, has an emotional resonance that every visitor can feel.”

The highly anticipated release is being rolled out starting today, August 31st, featuring the debut of the 2021 vintage of La Chapelle and Chevalier de Sterimberg. Wine experts and collectors can also delight in the availability of the 2006, 2011, and 2013 vintages of La Chapelle.

“Over nearly two decades, our team has passionately worked to sustain the unique heritage of this terroir, and we believe this partnership with La Place de Bordeaux will further complement our journey,” explained Frey.

Domaine La Chapelle, held by the Frey family alongside esteemed estates such as Château La Lagune and Château Corton C, stands as a testament to winemaking’s artistry and heritage. Spanning 26 hectares across the exquisite terroirs of Hermitage, La Chapelle continues to shine among the world’s most exceptional wines.

Wines of Great Britain announced Nicola Bates as its new CEO

Wines of Great Britain (WineGB) has just announced the appointment of former Portman Group Strategy Director Nicola Bates as its new CEO.

Bates’ appointment commences October 30, 2023, following news earlier this year that the organization’s former chief executive Simon Thorpe MW had stepped down.

Bates is WineGB’s first female CEO and joins a panel of women leading the association, with Sam Linter as chair.

Linter states: “I am delighted to appoint Nicola as the new CEO of WineGB. The WineGB Board was looking for a specific set of skills and experience that are required to deliver success for the organization and industry as we enter a new phase of maturity. During an extensive recruitment process, Nicola demonstrated the experience and diverse skillset required to run a growing trade association with a rapidly increasing external focus.

We look forward to introducing Nicola into the UK wine industry and have an intensive immersion planned to provide a strong grounding in the strategic imperatives and intricacies of our industry and organization.”

Bates previously held the role of director of strategy and external affairs at the Portman Group, the social responsibility body and regulator for alcohol labeling, packaging and promotion in the UK.

Bates commented on her new role: “Others may disagree, but this has to be the best job in wine. With production having doubled over the past five years, and set again to repeat this substantial achievement, I am overjoyed to be a part of the next phase of growth for English and Welsh wines. The sector will likely soon face the challenges that come with such success, and this is where WineGB steps in with its significant role to shape the workforce, the customer experience, and the reputation. I look forward to meeting members, patrons, funders, and the wider industry to learn how WineGB can continue to be your partner and deliver for the future.”

Liz Palmer appointed Vice President of FIJEV / International Federation of Wine and Spirits Journalists and Writers – Paris

I’m honored to share the news that I have been appointed Vice President of FIJEV / International Federation of Wine and Spirits Journalists and Writers – Paris, commencing immediately.

I appreciate this opportunity to contribute to the organization and look forward to utilizing my skills and knowledge to lead FIJEV into the future. 

I also look forward to working closely with Wolfgang Junglas, President, Sol Gradman, Vice-President, Anne Meglioli, Secretaire Generale, and Frederic Gautier, Tresorier.

About FIJEV
The International Federation of Wine and Spirit Journalist and Writers/Fédération Internationale des Journalistes et Écrivains des Vins et Spiritueux (FIJEV) is a French non-profit federation created in 1987 and based in Paris. FIJEV has got over 200 members in over 60 countries.
Its goal is to promote contacts between wine and spirits journalists and writers all over the world and to defend their profession. Beyond providing an international press card, aims at helping its members to establish contacts to editors, newspapers and magazines in other countries; assure the recognition of its members by the producers, publishers, public relations’ organizations and all members of the trade; create contacts between organizations of the wine and spirit business organizing press presentation (events, tours) and its journalist members; defend its journalist members and the freedom of the press; respect of a common code of ethics.

 

Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance announce appointment of Robyn Sebastiani as Executive Director

Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) Board President Tom Rouse announced on Friday the appointment of Robyn Sebastiani as SVVGA Executive Director.

“Robyn’s experience, passion, and deep understanding of our mission made her stand out as the perfect choice to guide SVVGA into a new era of growth and success. We firmly believe that with her dynamic leadership style and collaborative approach, she will build an even stronger commitment to serving our members and the greater wine community of Sonoma Valley,” Rouse states.