Cristina Mariani-May has been named president and chief executive officer of Banfi Vintners, one of America’s leading importers of fine wine. Since 2007, the CEO role had been shared by Mariani-May with her fellow third-generation family proprietor James Mariani, who now joins the Banfi advisory board with the title of Principal, Banfi Vintners.
Additionally, global industry veteran Rich Andrews joins Banfi Vintners as its Chief Operating Officer. He will report directly to Mariani-May and be responsible for the leadership and general management of day-to-day business operations, with the aim of accelerating business performance.
“These are strategic moves that are necessary to position Banfi for long-term, sustainable growth,” says Mariani-May. “Rich Andrews is highly respected in our industry and we are thrilled to have him join the Banfi team.”
Ackerman Family Vineyards’ New Director of Sales
Napa, California’s Ackerman Family Vineyards promoted Kristie Fondario to director of sales and marketing. In her new role, Fondario will oversee both wholesale and consumer direct sales as well as marketing for the wines. She will also oversee events, partnerships and programs at “The Aviary” tasting room and Ackerman Heritage House, an 1888 Queen Ann Victorian home in downtown Napa.
Prior to Ackerman Family Vineyards, she assisted with direct-to-consumer sales and partnerships for Sojourn Cellars in Sonoma. Fondario also planned events, created custom leisure itineraries as a client experience and was an event specialist for Viviani Destination Management. Before moving to California, Fondario was director of sales for Owera Vineyards in New York, an estate with a tasting room, private events space and café.
Corey Beck Named CEO of The Family Coppola
Corey Beck was named chief executive officer of The Family Coppola last week. He started 20 years ago as an assistant winemaker for film director, producer and screenwriter Francis Ford Coppola.
Beck most recently served as president and director of winemaking for its wineries that include Francis Ford Coppola Winery and Virginia Dare Winery in Geyserville. His duties now include the newly launched Great Women Spirits and Café Zoetrope in San Francisco.
“Corey has been an integral part of this company since joining nearly 20 years ago,” Francis Ford Coppola said in a statement. “His passion for winemaking and dedication to the staff are unmatched, and I’m proud to appoint him as CEO.”
Scheid Family Wines Hires Manager for Indiana and Michigan
Monterey California’s Scheid Family Wines (SFW) has hired Keith Knack as multi-state manager for Indiana and Michigan. Knack will work with existing distributors, overseeing and managing education, inventory control, pricing, promotions, incentive programming and market visits for the winery’s five labels: Scheid Vineyards, District 7, Metz Road, VDR and Stokes’ Ghost.
Last Updated: May 4, 2023
