China: ASC Fine Wines chief executive resigns

Bruno Baudry, the CEO of leading China-based wine importer ASC Fine Wines, is to step down at the end of this month, citing ‘personal reasons’.

Bruno Baudry has been at the helm of ASC Fine Wines, majority-owned by Japan’s Suntory, for two years.

He will move back to Japan with his family after leaving his post on 31 March. He will continue to advise the business ‘for a few months’ to ensure a smooth handover.

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Baudry will be succeeded as CEO by Yoshi Shibuya, a 20-year veteran of the Suntory Group’s wine activities who has spent the past five years or so living in France and managing the company’s wine businesses in Europe.

‘We really want to thank Bruno for his two years’ work as ASC’s CEO,’ said Yuji Yamazaki, ASC chairman and president and CEO of Suntory Wines International. ‘Bruno has been instrumental in reviving ASC’s business over the last two years.

‘We were very satisfied with his leadership and accomplishments, and wanted him to stay on as CEO of ASC, but finally had to accept his resignation.’

Meanwhile, Simon Wang will be promoted to the role of chief operating officer (COO) of ASC, taking charge of sales and regional office management, as well as focusing on operational efficiency.

ASC Fine Wines was established in China by father-and-son team Don St Pierre Sr and Don St Pierre Jr in 1996, cementing its position as the country’s leading importer of premium wines before selling a controlling stake to Suntory in 2009.