Robert Beynat steps down as CEO of Vinexpo

Robert Beynat has stepped down from his position as chief executive of Vinexpo, having founded the wine and spirit trade show over 30 years ago.

Beynat, who launched Vinexpo Bordeaux in 1980 and Vinexpo Asia-Pacific in 1998, will leave his position to Laurent-Perrier Switzerland general manager Guillaume Deglise.

The incoming Vinexpo CEO has held his position in Laurent-Perrier’s third-largest export market since 2009, and has also been in charge of the brand’s development in China since 2012.

Deglise brings with him a “thorough knowledge” of the wine and spirit market and its distribution channels.

“Vinexpo has grown thanks to its loyal exhibitors and the fact that its visitors have strictly professional status,” said Deglise. “Together, we will continue to build the future of our exhibitions in order to strengthen the role we play for the benefit of wine and spirits industry professionals worldwide.”

Beynat meanwhile will move on to become special advisor to Pierre Goguet, president of the Vinexpo directorate and chairman of the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the exhibitions to be held in Asia in 2014.

Vinexpo Bordeaux has grown in the last 30 years to become one of the world’s largest trade shows, attracting 48,000 visitors from 150 countries. The Bordeaux show is held on odd-numbered years, while the Asia-Pacific show in Hong Kong is held on even-numbered years.

The next show will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 27-29 May 2014.