Willamette Valley Vineyards Names 25-Year Finance Veteran John Hazlett as CFO
WVVI•Willamette Valley Vineyards named John Hazlett, a CPA with 25+ years in finance leadership across manufacturing and technology, as Chief Financial Officer. He will oversee financial strategy, reporting, compliance and operational planning to support the winery’s sustainable growth and brand expansion.
1. Appointment Details
Willamette Valley Vineyards named John Hazlett as Chief Financial Officer effective May 21, 2026. Hazlett is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Ohio with more than 25 years of financial leadership experience across manufacturing, technology and growth-oriented businesses. He holds an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Bowling Green State University. His prior roles include founding partner at Trailwise Advisory Services, CFO of RENA Technologies North America and senior finance positions at Eaton and Microsoft.
2. Strategic Role and Impact
As CFO, Hazlett will oversee financial strategy, reporting, SEC compliance and operational planning to advance the company’s long-term vision for sustainable growth, brand expansion and shareholder value. His proven operational discipline and forecasting expertise are expected to enhance cost controls, capital allocation and scaling of nine tasting rooms across Oregon, Washington and California. The leadership transition follows the tenure of John Ferry and aims to build on existing stability while strengthening financial governance ahead of ongoing vineyard certifications and potential future acquisitions under the winery’s 1,000-acre estate operations.
