SND: Rick Tigner to Retire, Jackson Family Wines Announces Tim Brown as New CEO

This article was originally published on Feb. 12th, 2026. It appears in the May 31, 2026, issue as “Tigner Retirement Makes Way for New CEO at JFW.”

Longtime Jackson Family Wines president and CEO Rick Tigner has announced his retirement, and the company is appointing Tim Brown as Tigner’s successor. Tigner helped turn the family-owned Jackson (JFW) into America’s 7th largest wine company by volume and 8th by value during his tenure.

Tigner joined JFW in 1991 after an early stint with E.&J. Gallo. He quickly rose to become Jackson’s president and CEO, helming a portfolio of more than 6 million cases across 40 brands, including household names like Kendall-Jackson and La Crema, which account for annual U.S. retail value of about $500 million and $400 million respectively, according to Impact Databank, a sister publication of Wine Spectator.

Tigner will stay on and support Brown through the transition. “I am incredibly proud of what we’ve built at Jackson Family Wines and thankful to the family for their trust in me,” said Tigner. “I am confident in the company’s future. Tim is a thoughtful, values-driven leader, and I look forward to supporting him as he transitions into the role and works more closely with the team.”

Tim Brown has more than 30 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods and foods industries, most recently serving as president and CEO of Upfield North America. Earlier in his career, he served in executive leadership roles at Chobani and Nestlé Waters North America. “I have long admired the family’s vision and the strong foundation Rick and his team have built over many years,” said Brown. “As I step into the role, I’m excited to listen, learn, and partner with the family and leadership team as we enter this next chapter.”

Tigner has worked with Jackson chairman Barbara Banke for decades, growing the company. (Photo by Alanna Hale)

A Wine Industry Veteran

Working first with JFW founder Jess Jackson and then current company chairman Barbara Banke, Tigner was instrumental in growing Jackson Family Wines’ leading brands into the industry powerhouses they are today. In 2024, Kendall-Jackson was sold more than 3 million cases, while La Crema sold 1.4 million cases, according to Impact Databank. Tigner and Banke also led an expansion into numerous premium wines, acquiring or creating quality brands like Lokoya, Siduri, Brewer-Clifton, Penner Ash, Gran Moraine, Zena Crown and Giant Steps.

Last fall, Tigner spoke at the 49th Annual Impact Marketing Seminar, addressing the topic, “Navigating Generational Change in the U.S. Wine Market.” His presentation aimed to find positives during a period of headwinds in the wine industry and remind seminar attendees that the industry has faced downturns before. In addition, he discussed misconceptions about consumer behaviors across age demographics and how to meet younger and more diverse wine audiences where they are.

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