Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Bolsters Leadership for Forward Momentum
Woodinville, Wash.
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates today announced new leadership appointments, naming David Richardson as Chief Executive Officer and Dan Heller as Chief Commercial Officer. The appointments underscore the company’s long-term succession planning and its commitment to deepening executive bench strength while driving performance under local ownership.
“David Richardson is the visionary leader who will propel Ste. Michelle Wine Estates into its next era of growth,” said Court Wyckoff, CEO of the Wyckoff Family Business. “He brings unparalleled operational expertise, a deep understanding of agriculture and consumer-led businesses, and a leadership philosophy centered on collaboration, culture and long-term value creation. His appointment is a clear statement of our commitment to accelerate momentum, strategically invest in our people and vineyards, and cement our position as the Northwest’s leading wine company, while passionately stewarding Washington’s wine industry for generations to come.”
Richardson brings four decades of executive leadership experience across food, agriculture, and global operations. Most recently, he served as President, CEO and co-founder of NewCold Cooperative, developing and operating large scale automated cold chain operations across Europe, North America and Oceania. His career also includes senior leadership roles with Lamb Weston / ConAgra Foods and board leadership across multiple food and agriculture organizations. A longtime Washington resident, Richardson has extensive familiarity with the Columbia Valley and a deep appreciation for the role vineyards, growers, and winemaking excellence play in creating enduring wine brands.
“I’m honored to step into this role and work alongside the talented team at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates,” said Richardson. “This is a company with deep roots, remarkable expertise, and a proud legacy in Washington wine. My focus is on building on that momentum, bringing people together, investing where it matters most, and creating long term value for consumers, partners, and the communities we serve.”
Most recently the Executive VP of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Dan Heller is a long-tenured and highly regarded member of Ste. Michelle’s executive management team. In his new position as Chief Commercial Officer he will lead the sales and marketing team and strategy, as well as directly partnering with the national distribution network.
“After four decades at Ste. Michelle, I believe deeply in this company, our people, and what Washington wine represents,” said Heller. “I am very passionate about restoring growth and momentum and building not just a leading Washington winery, but a global wine company grounded in our local, family ownership.”
In addition, Court Wyckoff, CEO of the Wyckoff Family Business, is assuming the position of Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors to provide ongoing and enhanced collaboration with Ste. Michelle’s senior executives.
These appointments reflect the deep institutional knowledge, forward leaning strategy, and strength of the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates organization, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to exceptional quality and leadership in Washington.
About Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, an icon of the Pacific Northwest, was the first premium wine company in Washington state, with roots dating back to 1933. For more than 90 years, we have set the standard for excellence, earning recognition as one of the most acclaimed premium wine companies in the United States. Today, our wines are enjoyed in all 50 states in 100 countries.
Our award-winning portfolio reflects an unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability, showcasing the distinctive character of Washington and Oregon’s renowned growing regions. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ brands include Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14 Hands, Columbia Crest, Liquid Light, ESTIVAL, ETHOS, Spring Valley Vineyard, and Northstar from Washington State. Ste. Michelle also serves as the sales agent for A to Z Wineworks, Erath, and REX HILL from Oregon.
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For further information:
Lynda Eller
lynda.eller@smwe.com
