In appointing Dearie, Ste. Michelle picked an executive whose 30-year career saw him serve at several global beverage companies, including Treasury Wine Estates, where he was CEO for nearly three years; managing director ANZ for Fosters Group for a little less than two years, and president/CEO of Brown-Forman Wine Group for nearly four years before becoming managing director for Western Europe and Africa for a little over two years.
Dearie currently is executive chairman of Australian Whiskey Holdings Ltd. and Founder and Managing Director of East Wine Consulting Pty. providing strategic, brand and financial advice to clients predominately in the wine and spirits sector.
Mortensen, who is retiring, said “The opportunity to work at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates was a wonderful privilege. I am immensely proud of the work this organization has accomplished,” Mr. Mortensen said. “Our team made great strides in modernizing infrastructure, establishing e-commerce and omnichannel marketing, crafting innovative
products, and earning high acclaim for our wine. My decision to retire allows me to pursue ventures and passions which I set aside a few years ago.”