The trade association for California’s wine industry is set to bid farewell to its CEO of 22 years.
The Wine Institute confirmed today (27 August) that Bobby Koch intends to retire at the end of this year. Koch (below) joined the organisation in 1992 before moving up to his current position 11 years later.
A “nationwide search” has been commenced subsequently, conducted by Russell Reynolds Associates.
In a statement that listed its achievements during Koch’s time as CEO, Wine Institute credited the executive as having led “with a unified voice” when representing “the interests of small and large wineries in the industry’s policy debates”.
“I have worked with Bobby since 1992 when, as board chair, I led the search that brought him to Wine Institute,” said the founder of J Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Jerry Lohr. “His 30-plus years of dedication and commitment are truly remarkable.
“We are grateful for all that he has accomplished on our behalf.”
The distribution landscape in California is being redrawn at the moment, after Republic National Distributing Co announced its intention in June to shutter operations in the state next week.
