Vinexpo grows global focus with board additions

Vinexpo has announced the appointment of three new board members as it seeks to reinforce and strengthen its international focus.

Vinexpo has appointed three new board members as it seeks to expand its international focus

The wine and spirit trade exhibition organiser met in Paris on 14 April, with the supervisory board approving the appointment of Isabel Guilisasti, marketing manager, Viña Concha y Toro, based in Chile; Don St. Pierre, CEO Vinfolio, based in USA; and Domenico Zonin, managing director, Casa Vinicola Zonin, based in Italy.

In a statement, Vinexpo said the new appointments reinforce its international focus and highlight its aim to be a partner for the global wine and spirits sector.

Pierre Goguet, chairman of the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB), Vinexpo’s major shareholder since it was founded in 1981, welcomed the appointments: “Under the leadership of Guillaume Deglise, CEO of Vinexpo since 2013, the organisation has taken new initiatives to enhance the quality of its events and boost its clients’ international business.

“Vinexpo has forged a special relationship with the industry, and this will be strengthened by the new Board members.”

Other board members include: Xavier de Eizaguirre (chairman), Jean Bernard (Groupe Bernard), Jean-René Buisson (Sopexa), Pierre Castel (Castel Frères), Judy Chan (Grace Vineyards), Pierre-Henry Gagey (Maison Louis Jadot), Yasuhisa Hirose (Enoteca), Patrick Jestin (CVBG), Louis-Fabrice Latour (Maison Louis Latour), Pierre Lurton (Château Cheval Blanc et Château d’Yquem), Denis Mollat (CCIB), Ignacio Osborne (Grupo Osborne), Jérôme Philipon (Champagne Bollinger), Constance Savage (Kobrand Corporation) and Rick Tigner (Jackson Family Wines).

Vinexpo will host two exhibitions this year: Vinexpo Hong Kong takes place from 24-26 May, while Vinexpo Tokyo will be held from 15-16 November. The next Bordeaux edition will be held from 18-21 June 2017.