As part of the ongoing institutional renewal within the Consejo Regulador de la D.O.Ca. Rioja, the Plenary has approved a significant change in the organization’s leadership: José Luis Lapuente, current Secretary–General Manager, will step down on September 1, concluding a 27-year tenure at the helm.
A Veteran Leader Steps Down, Moves into Advisory Role
Approaching retirement age, Lapuente has decided for personal reasons to gradually step away from day-to-day management. Recognizing his extensive experience and deep knowledge of the appellation, the Council and Lapuente agreed that he will remain linked to the institution as an advisor to the Presidency on sectoral and strategic matters for the next three years.
In his farewell remarks, Lapuente stated: “I find myself at a crossroads: either bringing forward my retirement or embarking on a new stage with fresh challenges. I believe the time has come to pause and choose the former. Now it is time to give back the lost time to my family and to myself.”
José Luis Lapuente
Gratitude and Recognition from the Presidency
Council President Raquel Pérez Cuevas expressed heartfelt thanks to José Luis, underscoring that his nearly three decades of dedication and leadership have provided “a solid foundation for the growth and prestige of D.O.Ca. Rioja.”
She highlighted: “José Luis’s commitment has gone far beyond the formal obligations of his role, investing effort and passion into every project, and consistently demonstrating outstanding professional ability. We have all been privileged to benefit from his professionalism and dedication, which have been essential to the sector’s development. While we celebrate the legacy he leaves behind and support his personal wishes, we also regret losing part of his daily dedication. Fortunately, his experience will remain with us through his new role as Advisor to the Presidency.”
Appointment of the New General Manager
The Council’s leadership unanimously appointed Pablo Franco Sarría as the new Secretary–General Manager. Since 2017, Franco has served as Head of the Control Body, where he has demonstrated strong technical and managerial skills over the past eight years.
Franco holds a degree in Food Industry Engineering, a Master’s in Viticulture, Oenology and Wine Marketing, as well as an MBA from a prestigious business school. He also completed a Business and Management program at Georgetown University. With over 20 years of professional experience in the wine sector, he has held responsibilities both in wineries and in other regulatory councils, giving him a comprehensive 360-degree vision of the industry.
Pablo Franco Sarría
Looking Ahead
President Pérez Cuevas praised the appointment: “As he has shown in recent years, Pablo is a tireless professional, innovative, with a clear business vision and a close style that has allowed him to understand the needs of our appellation and its members. I have no doubt he is the leader our Council requires to meet the important challenges and projects ahead.”
In his acceptance remarks, Franco said: “Being appointed Director General of D.O.Ca. Rioja is without a doubt an enormous honor, but also a great responsibility. While such a position can cause a certain sense of vertigo, in me it awakens deep respect and great enthusiasm. I enjoy this work immensely, and in this new stage I will demand the utmost of myself to achieve great things hand in hand with the sector, and above all, to help make the dreams of this region come true.”
A New Chapter for Rioja
With Franco’s appointment, D.O.Ca. Rioja begins a new phase that balances continuity with innovation. He is expected to build upon the path laid by Lapuente while bringing a renewed, member-oriented management approach. Over the next three years, Lapuente’s advisory role will ensure that his experience and knowledge remain at the service of the denomination.
