Don St Pierre Jr
Don St Pierre Jr
(Image credit: Don St Pierre Jr)

Don St Pierre Jr, the co-founder of ASC Fine Wines, will step down as executive chairman of the China-based importer from next month.

St Pierre, who founded ASC with his father in 1996, will relinquish his position in June following a decision to relocate from ASC’s base in Shanghai to California with his family.

As first reported on DecanterChina.com, he will remain an ASC board member and will also become a senior advisor to ASC’s parent company, Suntory Wine International.

St Pierre, 46, became executive chairman at ASC in 2012, after he was succeeded as chief executive by John Watkins – who remains the group’s present CEO.

ASC is one of the leading importers of premium wine in China, holding the accounts for more than 100 wine estates, including many Bordeaux classed growths.

Of his new role at Suntory, one of Japan’s largest alcoholic drinks groups, St Pierre said, ‘I hope to help Suntory both strengthen and grow its existing wine businesses in Japan, China and Europe, and find new opportunities for growth via strategic partnerships and investments in both distribution and production.’

To read more exclusive news about China’s wine market, visit Decaner.com’s sister site, DecanterChina.com.

Written by Chris Mercer

Chris Mercer
Chris Mercer

Chris Mercer is a Bristol-based freelance editor and journalist who spent nearly four years as digital editor of Decanter.com, having previously been Decanter’s news editor across online and print.

He has written about, and reported on, the wine and food sectors for more than 10 years for both consumer and trade media.

Chris first became interested in the wine world while living in Languedoc-Roussillon after completing a journalism Masters in the UK. These days, his love of wine commonly tests his budgeting skills.

Beyond wine, Chris also has an MSc in food policy and has a particular interest in sustainability issues. He has also been a food judge at the UK’s Great Taste Awards.