Smith & Sheth appoint new CEO

SMITH & SHETH and PYRAMID VALLEY WINE COMPANIES APPOINT A NEW CEO

Following a 6 month search Aotearoa New Zealand Fine Wine Estates (AONZ) is delighted to announce the appointment of MJ Loza as its new CEO.

In announcing his appointment, Steve Smith MW, Managing Partner of AONZ said “We are extremely excited in being able to attract such a great person to lead our ambitious fine wine business. MJ comes with a diverse track record of success in the wine business, be it as GM at biodynamic producer Seresin, CEO at Mudhouse or as GM North America for Accolade Wines. He also has great sales and marketing, business and innovation experience outside wine and is deeply connected to the wider New Zealand wine ecosystem through his most recent role as Founding CEO at Bragato Research Institute, New Zealand’s impressive new wine and viticulture research institute in Marlborough.”

Proprietor of AONZ Brian Sheth noted “MJ impressed me hugely over the last few weeks. While his business experience and credentials speak for themselves, it is personal attributes that really shine. He is a proud New Zealander, shares our values of family, people, nature, sport, ambition for the fine wines of New Zealand, and a willingness to embrace a whole different world. Our mission has always been to do everything we can to ensure the fine wines of New Zealand get the respect they deserve globally. I am so pleased MJ will be alongside us leading our company, and placing the wines of Smith & Sheth, Pyramid Valley and Lowburn Ferry in the fine wine markets of the world.”

”I am thrilled at the opportunity to join the team and be part of bringing AONZ’s vision to reality. What’s not to love about bringing exceptional wines to the world!” said MJ. Married in Havelock North and with his first son of four children born in the Hawke’s Bay, MJ says his family is excited about the move.

MJ will be based in the AONZ offices in Havelock North, and is already a long-suffering Hurricanes supporter. While already passionate about Chardonnay, he will quickly become an evangelical ambassador for Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay and Syrah. He is already there with the fine wines of Marlborough, North Canterbury and Central Otago.