Ste. Michelle Chief Ted Baseler to Retire

After 17 years at the helm, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates chief Ted Baseler is retiring, effective October 1. CPG industry veteran Jim Mortensen has been named his successor. Ted joined SMWE in 1984 as director of marketing, taking on the role of president and ceo in 2001. He coined and implemented the 'string of pearls' management philosophy to organize the premium and luxury wine business, which chairman and ceo of parent company Altria Group says will be "a lasting legacy."