Abada Retuerta LeDomaine has named Enrique Valero the Managing Director of the historic property in Spain’s Duero wine-growing region. Mr. Valero has served as the CEO of Abada Retuerta Winery since 2009, and with this additional appointment he assumes complete responsibility for both the restored 12th-century abbey hotel and the estate’s award-winning winery.
Mr. Valero has had a distinguished executive career in a variety of senior positions with domestic and international wine and spirits companies. During his eight years as CEO of Abada Retuerta, he has elevated it to one of the leading wineries of the Duero Valley with award-winning vintages of exceptional pedigree. Previously, he was CEO of London-based United Wineries International, overseeing an extensive roster of international export brands.
ÒWith the consolidation of management, an exceptional opportunity has been created to accelerate the synergism between our extraordinary hotel and world-class winery,Ó said Mr. Valero. ÒWe will be able to further position our brand as a multi-faceted travel, wine and cultural experience where guests enjoy the finest life has to offer.Ó
Other positions include Public Relations & Marketing Director of Jerez, Spain-based Grupo Gonzlez Byass, where he oversaw the company’s many brands including To Pepe, Lepanto, Beronia and London Gin; Marketing and Communications Director, Arco Bodegas Unidas; and sales and marketing positions with IDV (the Diageo Group today) in the Spanish and British markets.
He is also an Associate Professor at Instituto de Empresa International Business School in Madrid, a member of the advisory board of the wine fund Vini Catena by Banca March, and author of the book ÒHow to Manage a Winery.Ó Mr. Valero earned a B.A. in Law from the University of Seville, and an MBA (Master in Business Administration) from the Instituto de Empresa International Business School.
The Abada Retuerta estate, set on 1,730 fertile acres in the heart of Spain’s Duero wine region, offers a grand travel experience by combining the Abada Retuerta Winery, acclaimed for its award-winning single terroir wines, and Abada Retuerta LeDomaine, the restored medieval-abbey hotel dating from 1146 that is among the most highly rated properties in Europe.