The Duckhorn Portfolio Named Three New Executives
The wine company appointed new leadership roles as Zach Rasmuson joins its board of directors.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People
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The Duckhorn Portfolio has announced the appointment of three executive vice presidents to support its next phase of growth. Longtime chief operating officer Zach Rasmuson is transitioning to the company board of directors.
Why it matters
These strategic leadership changes are intended to bolster the company's organizational capacity for future expansion. The appointments reflect a mix of internal promotions and external hires designed to align the management team with upcoming business objectives.
The Duckhorn Portfolio manages an annual volume of 2.9 million cases of wine across the United States. These additions to the executive team replace the functions previously managed by the former COO.
The players
The Duckhorn Portfolio
A California-based wine producer that manages a large portfolio of brands with an annual output of 2.9 million cases.
Zach Rasmuson
The former chief operating officer who led company operations since 2012 and is moving to the board of directors.
Paul Passaro
The incoming EVP and chief sales officer who previously held a leadership position at O'Neill Vintners & Distillers.
Chanel Caplan
The newly appointed EVP and chief marketing officer who was promoted from her previous role as SVP of brand management.
P.J. Alviso
The incoming EVP and chief operating officer who will assume his new responsibilities in early 2027.
The details
Paul Passaro has been appointed as EVP and chief sales officer, joining the company after a tenure at O'Neill Vintners & Distillers. Chanel Caplan, previously the SVP of brand management, was promoted to EVP and chief marketing officer, while P.J. Alviso takes on the role of EVP and chief operating officer.
Timeline
Zach Rasmuson began his tenure as COO in 2012.
Chanel Caplan’s promotion became effective on September 30, 2026.
Paul Passaro’s new role became effective on October 5, 2026.
P.J. Alviso will begin his new role on February 1, 2027.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition follows the structure established after The Duckhorn Portfolio 2021 initial public offering, marking a shift toward mature corporate governance. The appointments position the company to compete more aggressively in the high-volume wine sector against established national conglomerates.
These executive changes are internal operations and will not result in immediate price adjustments or service disruptions for wine consumers. Customers should expect continued product availability as the firm maintains its current production volume of 2.9 million cases annually.
The takeaway
Effective corporate growth often requires balancing internal talent development with outside expertise to refresh strategic direction. Investors and followers of the wine industry should watch how these new leaders influence brand marketing and national sales performance in coming quarters.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership shifts, visit the People section.
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