Robert Hanson Named Duckhorn's New CEO, Heralding New Era in Luxury Wine
Portfolio - People | Jan 07, 2025 | Butterfly
Butterfly Equity, a private equity firm focused on the food and beverage sector, has announced the appointment of Robert Hanson, an experienced executive in the consumer brands space, as the new CEO of The Duckhorn Portfolio, effective February 1, 2025. The Duckhorn Portfolio, a leading luxury wine producer in North America, is undergoing this leadership transition as current CEO Deirdre Mahlan steps down, yet remains an advisor to Hanson post-transition. Hanson brings a wealth of experience, notably from Constellation Brands where he led the Wine and Spirits Global Portfolio, and is expected to drive Duckhorn's continued growth and market expansion. The company aims to leverage its position as a market leader in luxury wines, with a strong portfolio of esteemed wine brands distributed across five continents. Butterfly's commitment to excellence in the wine industry and their holistic investment ethos aligns with Duckhorn's strategic direction for robust growth.
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Food and Beverage
- Consumer Goods
Geography
- United States – Both Butterfly Equity and The Duckhorn Portfolio are based in the United States, with operations spanning various locations such as California.
- North America – The Duckhorn Portfolio is described as North America's premier luxury wine company, indicating its primary geographic focus.
Industry
- Private Equity – Butterfly Equity is a private equity firm, specializing in investments within the food and beverage sector, and is involved in the appointment of Duckhorn's new CEO.
- Food and Beverage – The Duckhorn Portfolio is a luxury wine producer, representing the beverage sector, and Butterfly Equity specializes in this space.
- Consumer Goods – Robert Hanson’s leadership in consumer brands and luxury products is evident in his new role, thus relating to the consumer goods industry.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butterfly Equity | Private Equity Firm | Company | A Los Angeles-based private equity firm that specializes in the food and beverage sector. |
| The Duckhorn Portfolio | Target Company | Company | North America's premier luxury wine company, operating several prestigious winery brands. |
| Robert Hanson | Chief Executive Officer | Person | Appointed CEO of The Duckhorn Portfolio, with extensive experience in consumer brands. |
| Deirdre Mahlan | Outgoing Chief Executive Officer | Person | Current CEO of The Duckhorn Portfolio, transitioning out of the role but remaining as an advisor. |
| Adam Waglay | Co-Founder and Co-CEO | Person | Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Butterfly, involved in the announcement of leadership transition at Duckhorn. |
| Constellation Brands | Previous Employer of Robert Hanson | Company | A previous employer of Robert Hanson, where he led the Wine and Spirits Global Portfolio. |