Jackson Family Wines Announces Executive Leadership Changes

SANTA ROSA, Calif., Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Jackson Family Wines, a family-owned wine company known for its high-end portfolio of wineries and vineyards, announced today several executive leadership appointments that reinforce a new generation of leaders and a legacy strengthened by female representation in key roles. Under chairman and proprietor Barbara Banke, the company has reached new heights with an executive team focused on diversifying top talent to drive organizational performance and strategic growth.

Jackson Family Wines continues to empower women in the wine industry by giving women equal voices and opportunities to innovate and lead: Katie Jackson has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Corporate and Social Responsibility; Gayle Bartscherer has been appointed to the Executive Team as Senior Vice President, International Marketing and Development; Viviann Stapp has been promoted to Senior Vice President, General Counsel; Kristen Reitzell has been promoted to Vice President of Public Relations; and Jane Catelani Howard has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Finance.

Second-generation proprietor Katie Jackson leads her family's sustainability program and works on policy issues and community outreach initiatives. In 2016, Katie launched the company's first Family Responsibility Report with comprehensive 5-year goals outlining the Jackson family's commitment to reduce its environmental footprint and enhance social equity. As Senior Vice President of Corporate and Social Responsibility, Katie will continue to oversee the Sustainability Department and co-manage the Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs Department. 

A native of England, Gayle Bartscherer joined Jackson Family Wines in 2008 and held positions in brand marketing before stepping into the role of Senior Vice President of International Marketing and Business Development to direct the company's strategic growth across global markets. As a member of the Executive Team, Bartscherer will continue to head the international brand team and international marketing and business development for the entire Jackson Family Wines portfolio.  

Viviann Stapp joined Jackson Family Wines in 2013 as Vice President, Legal Counsel before her promotion to Senior Vice President, General Counsel this year. As Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Stapp will manage and oversee day-to-day legal matters for Jackson Family Wines and the Jackson family's vineyard related companies.

Kristen Reitzell joined Jackson Family Wines in 2013 as Public Relations Manager of Spire Collection, quickly advancing to Director of Public Relations in 2015. As Vice President of Public Relations, Reitzell will lead day-to-day operations of the Public Relations Department and implement strategic planning and communications for all 40 wineries within the Jackson Family Wines portfolio.       

As Senior Vice President, Finance, Jane Catelani Howard will oversee the company's accounting, inventory and cost accounting, payroll and financial operations. Catelani Howard will also help to enhance business intelligence, process improvements and financial rigor. Most recently, she was with Traditional Medicinals, Inc. where her responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer included the entirety of the financial operations. Additionally, Catelani Howard recently received one of the North Bay Business Journal's 2017 North Bay CFO Awards.

"I'm thrilled to see Katie, Gayle, Viviann, Kristen and Jane grow in their careers as they take on prominent and vital leadership roles to advance the company's future success," said Barbara Banke, chairman and proprietor of Jackson Family Wines. "Supporting strong women in their professional growth has never been more important, and I look forward to this talented group of women taking charge of new opportunities to grow quality at all levels of our business."

About Jackson Family Wines

Jackson Family Wines is a family-owned wine company with a penchant for exploration and stewardship. Founder Jess Jackson placed his faith in farming and a meticulous expression of wine with his first landscape-changing vintage in 1982, an ethos that chairman and proprietor Barbara Banke, the Jackson family and the company's employees continue to uphold to this day. The family's collection of over 40 wineries and brands spans significant winegrowing regions across the globe, from California, Oregon, France and Italy in the northern hemisphere, to Australia, Chile and South Africa in the southern half of the globe. Artisan winemaking underscores a steadfast commitment to making exceptional wines. In each region, vineyard ownership remains key to consistent quality, conservation and stewardship for future generations and the communities around them. Learn more by visiting Jackson Family Wines online.

SOURCE Jackson Family Wines