Our Stories

Victoria Drouelle – Finance Director

Today, now I have settled into my new role as Finance Director. I spend half my time between Lyon and Pommard where I work alongside a passionate team dedicated to one of my favorite pursuits – wine! It’s what connects everyone at the Château. It’s lovely to watch and listen people talk about it so passionately every day – even early in the morning! Wine dominates every conversation, and it’s so fun to watch the team become so animated by it.

Before I started my professional career, I received my Master degree in Economics specializing in International Business at the University of Lyon. From there, I spent four years at Air France/KLM, in Barcelona and Madrid. I was in charge of freight pricing and contracts for Spain/Portugal. I then spent three years at Disneyland Paris (so much fun!), where I was in charge of pricing for the park and hotels. Then seven years at years at Ralph Lauren, in Geneva, as their Sales Logistics and Budgeting Director. I love Ralph Lauren, and it was fantastic to work in such a dynamic company for so long.

After seven years at such a huge company, I started to yearn to work at a smaller business where I could be more hands-on to shape it into bigger things. With the brand relaunch of the Château de Pommard in Summer 2017 ; I could see that the business had lots of exciting and dynamic ideas just waiting to happen. When I came across the Finance Director role at Château de Pommard ; somewhere closer to home ; I knew the role would be perfect for me – and vice versa!

When I first started in July 2017, I told the Executive team that my ambition for my position role was to better define internal processes and better forecast our financial future. By doing this, we would allow our Wine Advisors, our sales teams and everyone on site to ensure the winery was something different for the consumer ; where every visit was a discovery for all the senses. I love it. The trust that the whole team has given me has been incredible. In any job, it’s very rare that everything you need to change things for the better are right in front of you ; but at Château de Pommard, it’s true. The team is passionate and motivated ; the wine is the best in the world and everyone is dedicated to make sure we meet our goals ; no matter how ambitious they probably seem to outsiders.

Outside of my office, which faces Clos Marey-Monge – not a bad view to motivate me on Monday mornings! – my favorite hobbies are enjoying delicious meals and wines with my friends and family in Lyon and with my new family in Pommard. And, of course, I get to drink ; a little bit more fine wine than ever before ; my new favourite wine has to be Clos Marey-Monge Monopole 2012 – so, the job definitely has its perks!