St. Helena, Calif.—The C. Mondavi & Family board of directors appointed John Lennon as the company’s interim president and CEO. According to a statement released by the winery, the appointment is the first step in a five year plan to pursue “significant further growth.”

Lennon has served as president, CEO, general manager and marketing vice president while working for International Beverage Holdings, Pabst Brewing Company, INBEV, Pyramid Breweries and Nestle, among others. He has a background leading companies through transitions while improving financial performance. Lennon holds an MBA in marketing and finance from Syracuse University.

“We appreciate departing CEO Mike Jaeger’s positive contribution to the company over the past five and one half years,” said board chairman Pascal Levensohn in the press release. “The entire C. Mondavi & Family operation wishes Mike well in the future.”

The winery is also conducting a nationwide search for a permanent hire for the president and CEO post.