Ste. Michelle Names David Richardson CEO, Heller Chief Commercial Officer

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates named David Richardson Chief Executive Officer and promoted Dan Heller to Chief Commercial Officer. 

“David Richardson is the visionary leader who will propel Ste. Michelle Wine Estates into its next era of growth,” said Court Wyckoff, CEO of the Wyckoff Family Business, Ste. Michelle's parent company. “He brings unparalleled operational expertise, a deep understanding of agriculture and consumer-led businesses, and a leadership philosophy centered on collaboration, culture and long-term value creation.

"His appointment is a clear statement of our commitment to accelerate momentum, strategically invest in our people and vineyards, and cement our position as the Northwest’s leading wine company, while passionately stewarding Washington’s wine industry for generations to come.”

Richardson brings four decades of executive leadership experience across food, agriculture, and global operations. Most recently, he served as President, CEO and co-founder of NewCold Cooperative, developing and operating large-scale automated cold chain operations across Europe, North America and Oceania.

Most recently the Executive VP of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Dan Heller is a long-tenured and highly regarded member of Ste. Michelle’s executive management team. In his new position as Chief Commercial Officer he will lead the sales and marketing team and strategy, as well as directly partnering with the national distribution network.  

“After four decades at Ste. Michelle, I believe deeply in this company, our people, and what Washington wine represents,” said Heller. “I am very passionate about restoring growth and momentum and building not just a leading Washington winery, but a global wine company grounded in our local, family ownership.”

In addition, Court Wyckoff, CEO of the Wyckoff Family Business, is assuming the position of Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors to provide ongoing and enhanced collaboration with Ste. Michelle’s senior executives.