Exclusive: Sandra LeDrew Tapped As President, Winery Operations, At Terlato

Sandra LeDrew, a veteran wine executive who formerly led Diageo Chateau & Estate and Treasury Wine Estates Americas, has been appointed president, winery operations, and chief development officer of Terlato Wine Group. LeDrew will be based in California and report directly to president and CEO Bill Terlato, joining the company’s executive leadership team. The appointment is effective February 27.

LeDrew’s role as president of winery operations is a new post within the company. It includes responsibility for Terlato wineries around the globe, including California holdings such as Rutherford Hill, Chimney Rock and Sanford as well as joint ventures in France, Italy and Australia. She will also oversee production of the Federalist, Seven Daughters and Terlato Family Vineyards brands, as well as all direct-to-consumer business and retail sales at Terlato’s wineries. In her additional duties as chief development officer, a role in which she replaces the departing Chris Lynch, LeDrew will help drive expansion efforts as Terlato looks to acquire new vineyards and wineries and add brands to its portfolio.

“Sandra has a wealth of experience in the industry,” Bill Terlato tells SND. “The way our California business is developing, we knew we needed someone on the ground full-time looking after the wineries. It’s been on my strategic plan for a while, but we hadn’t come across someone with the skill set necessary to fill that role. When we got together with Sandra, we felt that to bring her on would be a great opportunity for us. She’ll be a valuable asset with her range of experience.”

For LeDrew, the appointment marks a move to an independent player after years at publicly quoted wine companies. From 2012 through early 2016, she was president of Treasury Wine Estates Americas, helping to turn around a business that had been flailing prior to her arrival. Before that, LeDrew was president of Diageo Chateau & Estate from 2009–2011, leading the drinks giant’s former premium and luxury wine unit.

LeDrew tells SND that Terlato’s continuity in leadership and dedication to the industry over the long haul were important draws as she mulled her next move. “The Terlatos have a remarkable family business, with a spectacular portfolio of brands anchored in luxury,” she says. “Bill Terlato has a voracious appetite for growth, and I love his vision for the future, so it makes for a great fit. This is a company that is very clear about where it wants to go, and it has its eye on the long-term.” —Daniel Marsteller

Tagged : Chimney Rock, Diageo, Rutherford Hill, Sanford, Seven Daughters, Terlato Wine Group, The Federalist, Treasury Wine Estates

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