Francis Ford Coppola names new co-CEO

Steven Spadarotto has been named as the new co-CEO of Francis Ford Coppola’s winery and will take over as full CEO at the end of this year.

With 27 years of experience in the Napa industry, Spadarotto was most recently vice-president at Ste Michelle Wine Estates where he was also general manager of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.

He also has experience of senior management from Diageo’s Château and Estate Wines, Kendall-Jackson and was also general manager for Cambria Winery and Clos Pegase.

He joins current CEO Jay Shoemaker and the two will share responsibilities for running the Oscar-winning director’s estate until Shoemaker retires at the end of this year.

“My conversations with Steve Spadarotto confirm to me our family’s excitement and optimism concerning his appointment as our new Chief Executive Officer,” said Coppola.

“I am honored to have been chosen for this role and excited to be a part of the company’s future,” said Spadarotto. “Mr. Coppola, one of the most talented visionaries in the industry, is graciously presenting me with a remarkable opportunity to continue to push the envelope on innovation alongside him.”