Santa Barbara, Calif.—Chris Brown has been promoted to the post of senior director for production planning and operations for the Thornhill Companies. Brown previously was in charge of winemaking for Thornhill’s Turn Key Wine Brands and managed both Central Coast Wine Services and Paso Robles Wine Services. Brown fills the position as an independent consultant and Turn Key Wine Brands is the first client of his new business Diligent Wines. In his new role, Brown will lead operational planning while building a foundation for the companies’ future growth.

The Thornhill Companies, owned by the Miller family, includes Turn Key Wine Brands, Central Coast Wine Services, Paso Robles Wine Services and a portfolio of Central Coast vineyards comprised of Solomon Hills Vineyards, French Camp Vineyards and the famed Bien Nacido Vineyards.