Crimson Wine Group names Jennifer Locke as CEO

Crimson Wine Group has appointed Jennifer Locke as its new CEO, effective as of 2 December. Locke will succeed Patrick DeLong, who left the business earlier this year after serving as CEO since 2014.

With the move, Locke brings to Crimson more than 20 years of wine industry experience in the Pacific Northwest.

Most recently, Locke has served as senior vice president of the direct-to-consumer team of Treasury Wine Estates, based in Napa.

Prior to this, Locke led Chalone Wine Group’s northwest regional sales, followed by managing global sales for WillaKenzie Estate in Oregon.

Chairman of Crimson Wine John Cumming said: “Jennifer’s management expertise, deep knowledge of the wine business and proven sales and marketing acumen will be a tremendous asset for Crimson Wine Group in the next phase of the company’s growth and development.

“The board is confident that her leadership will provide tangible value to all of our stakeholders. We also wish to thank Nicolas M.E. Quillé, our chief winemaking and operations officer, for stepping in as interim CEO during the search process.”

Crimson Wine Group owns and manages approximately 1,000 acres of vineyard land across six distinct regions, and its collection brands include Pine Ridge Vineyards, Archery Summit and Double Canyon.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Crimson team at such a pivotal time in our industry, when wine companies must evolve to ensure long term success,” said Locke.

Locke added: “I have known and long admired Crimson Wine Group’s portfolio of estate and high-quality wines. Making world-class wines, meeting consumers’ evolving needs, and enriching employee engagement are critical to Crimson’s next chapter.”