Willamette Valley Vineyards founder and president Jim Bernau. Credit: Andrea Johnson / Willamette Valley Vineyards.

US-based Willamette Valley Vineyards is on the hunt for a new CEO after deciding to separate the roles of president and chief executive, positions held by its founder Jim Bernau.

The search for a new CEO will “depend on future business conditions and performance”, the Oregon-based wine group said in a statement.

Bernau will not be leaving the company following the appointment. He intends to continue serving as president and chair of the board of directors.

“The wine market is changing rapidly and I believe we need the additional horsepower of a new CEO and more field sales staff,” Bernau said.

“Having the leadership of the company held by two separate persons will help invigorate our brand with distributors, retailers and restaurants across the nation and help establish new markets across the world.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Bernau said: “After more than 40 years at Willamette and at 71 years of age, I need to share the rigorous market travel required.”

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The company is also looking to fill “key account” lead positions to support its global sales efforts.

Founded in 1983, Willamette Valley Vineyards has grown from 15 acres of vines in the Salem Hills of Oregon to more than 1,000, producing more than 260,000 cases annually.

The winery employs over 350 staff, including more than 40 managers overseeing operations across ten tasting rooms in Oregon, south-west Washington and California.

For the nine months ending 30 September, Willamette Valley Vineyards posted net sales of $28.5m, a modest increase from $28.4m during the same period in 2023.

The company’s net loss attributable to common shareholders decreased to $2.3m, compared to $2.5m in the same period of 2023.

Gross profit reached $17.5m, up from $16.4m in the previous year. Willamette Valley Vineyards reported a loss from operations of $202,177, against $948,879.