Maison Pol Roger honours the legacy of Patrice Noyelle

Maison Pol Roger has paid tribute to its former chief executive, Patrice Noyelle, who died on 7 October 2025 at the age of 78. A Burgundian by marriage and Champenois at heart, he shaped a defining era for the house, leaving an enduring legacy.

Born in Paris, Patrice Noyelle became the first non-family director to lead Maison Pol Roger. He joined in September 1997 as deputy general manager and was appointed chief executive the following year, succeeding Christian de Billy.

Taking on the leadership of a family business with more than 150 years of history was no easy task. Yet Noyelle rose to the challenge, guiding Pol Roger from 1998 until his retirement in 2013. Christian de Billy, a fourth-generation member of the family, said at the time: “He successfully steered the company through a difficult period and laid solid foundations for its continued growth.”
Before arriving in Épernay, Noyelle had already spent 25 years in his wife’s family business, Mommessin, in Burgundy, where he served as export director and later as general manager. His deep understanding of fine wine shaped the approach he would bring to Champagne.

Marrying tradition with transformation

Working alongside Christian Pol-Roger and Hubert de Billy on the management board, Noyelle set out to strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit of the house while respecting its heritage. In 1999, together with then chef de caves Dominique Petit, he launched an ambitious modernisation of the production facilities, a programme that continued throughout his tenure.

His tenure saw Pol Roger regain the Royal Warrant of Appointment on 23 December 2003, a recognition of the house as Champagne supplier to Her Majesty the Queen. In 2011, Pol Roger was chosen as the official Champagne for the royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

Beyond Pol Roger, Noyelle played an active role in defending and promoting the reputation of Champagne. He was deeply involved with the Comité Champagne and the Union des Maisons de Champagne, working to uphold the values of quality, origin and tradition.

He stepped down as chairman of the executive board in June 2013, ensuring a smooth handover to Laurent d’Harcourt. He remained closely involved as a member of the supervisory board.

Tributes

Laurent d’Harcourt, chairman of the executive board, said: “Maison Pol Roger extends its deepest thoughts to Patrice’s family and loved ones. We share their grief and join them in mourning, with emotion and respect for the memory of a man who contributed so profoundly to the history of Pol Roger. Patrice was an exceptional man, combining rigour and humanity, and always faithful to the founding values of the Maison. He guided Pol Roger with clear vision and deep respect for its heritage, laying the solid foundations that allow us today to continue his work with pride. His legacy will remain forever engraved in the heart of the Maison.”

James Simpson MW, managing director of Pol Roger Ltd, added: “Patrice was a huge enthusiast for all things British – whether a proper cup of tea, Savile Row suits and shirts, shooting correctly dressed in tweed or simply a good breakfast. Albeit that, despite a splendid day at Lords, he never quite understood cricket. But at the same time, he was a passionate supporter of his own version of French culture – starting, of course, with Pol Roger, followed by Pouilly Fuissé (from his own vineyard in Solutré), his beloved Beaujolais and then, of course, Clos de Tart (from his wife Benedict’s vineyard).

“His charm, intelligence and charisma gave him a special place on both sides of the channel; and his brilliant work at Pol Roger ensured that the fame of this historic house, which he grew to love, shone more brightly both during and after his time in charge.”

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