Michelle Egan to Succeed Liz Thach as President of Wine Market Council

Wine Market Council President Dr. Liz Thach, MW, announced she will retire from the association on Aug. 5, 2026. Michelle Egan, founder of Egan Wine Consulting, a marketing and direct-to-consumer (DTC) winery consulting firm, will succeed Thach as president.

During Thach's three-year tenure, Wine Market Council increased membership by nearly 70% and significantly elevated awareness of the organization's research through a progressive media relations and social media strategy. She also streamlined many of the organization's operational systems and oversaw the design and implementation of 11 national research studies.

"I have been fortunate to work with some of the brightest minds in the wine industry who serve on the WMC Board of Directors, our dedicated team, and our outstanding membership. Together, we have identified high-impact research projects that provide critical insights to strengthen the marketing and sales strategies of our members," said Thach.

Although she describes her departure as bittersweet, Thach explained that the three-year term she accepted concludes this August.

"I have decided not to renew because I want to devote more time to travel, writing, and teaching. I'm also very excited about the vision and energy that Michelle Egan will bring to the position," Thach added.

Prior to leading Wine Market Council, Thach spent 23 years as a full-time university professor, retiring in 2023 with the title of Distinguished Professor of Wine & Management at Sonoma State University. Earlier in her career, she spent 10 years as a human resources executive and manager with Fortune 500 companies. Thach is also an avid traveler who has visited 80 countries, with a goal of reaching 100.