Californian wine’s trade association, the Wine Institute, has appointed executive Steve Gross as its interim CEO, effective from the new year.
Gross (below) will step into the role as Robert P. Koch prepares to retire at the end of this year, concluding a 22-year-long tenure at the helm of the organisation. The appointment comes as the Wine Institute conducts a search for a permanent head, which is expected to conclude by the end of June.
Joining the Wine Institute 39 years ago, Gross most recently served as VP of state relations, leading the organisation’s legislative and regulatory advocacy across 49 states outside California. He began his time as a legal assistant and later served as administrative services manager before becoming special assistant to then-president John De Luca in the early 1990s.
“Wine Institute has been my professional home for nearly 40 years, and I am deeply committed to supporting our members and advancing the interests of the California wine community,” said Gross.
“I look forward to working closely with the board, our staff and our members to ensure stability and continued progress during this transition.”
Earlier this month, the privately-owned US wine group Bronco Wine Co appointed Gallo veteran Deb Juergenson as its chief winemaking officer.
