LARKSPUR, Calif., May 22, 2023 – Today, O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, one of the fastest growing wine and spirits companies in California and a proud Certified B Corp, announces the appointment of industry veteran Tom Fantham as Chief Commercial Officer and member of the Executive Leadership Team effective May 22, 2023.
“Tom is an accomplished wine industry leader who has a strong track record of delivering brand and channel growth as well as leading and developing a high performing team,” said Jeff O’Neill, Founder and CEO of O’Neill Vintners & Distillers. “I am pleased to welcome Tom to the O’Neill team and look forward to working with him as we continue our growth transformation journey.”
Fantham is a proven leader with deep understanding and expertise in the wine industry. He spent 25 years at Trinchero Family Estates. As VP of Sales, he was responsible for managing wholesalers and National Accounts. He oversaw the sales transformation process, recruited, and developed top talent, implemented a comprehensive training program, and strategically reorganized a team of 150 individuals to ensure alignment with company objectives. As CCO Fantham’s sales leadership skills included P&L responsibility and the successful commercial digital transformation where he played a pivotal role in establishing and implementing the e-commerce strategy and sales enabled digital platforms, leading to optimized commercial results.
“The wine category continues to evolve. It is certainly not getting any easier, but it feels as though O’Neill is positioned for success. O’Neill has embraced these changes and continues to cater to the demands of the everyday consumer. Commitment towards sustainability and its recent B Corp certification are examples of its intent to co-exist on this planet and build for the future,” said Fantham. “I am excited to work with Jeff and the fantastic team he has built in the pursuit of making the best wines and growing our already strong consumer base.”
As Chief Commercial Officer, a newly created role at O’Neill as part of the company’s growth evolution, Fantham will be responsible for leading the commercial strategy and sales plan for the consumer goods portfolio across all channels and brands, this includes the National Brand portfolio as well as driving customer sales growth through the Exclusive Brand program. Fantham will work in collaboration with the Executive Leadership Team to set long term vision and objectives as well as remaining steadfast in delivering short term results. He will oversee all sales planning, pricing, sales operations and deliver best in class market execution while developing a team of over 45 talented individuals.
About O’Neill Vintners & Distillers
O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, a certified B Corporation, was founded in 2004 by industry leader and entrepreneur Jeff O’Neill. The vertically integrated winery is one of the fastest-growing premium wine and spirits companies in California (overall 10th largest winery in the U.S.) with a reputation for producing consumer-focused brands and being a leader in sustainable operations. O’Neill received the Green Medal Leader Award in 2021 by the Wine Institute and achieved B Corp Certification in 2022. The company’s national brands portfolio includes Line 39, Harken Chardonnay, Rabble Wines, Charles Woodson’s Intercept, FitVine Wine, Robert Hall Winery, Game Box, Allegro Cellars, BrandyLab, and Javelin Vodka. For more information, please visit www.ONeillWine.com.
