Treasury Wine shares slide as another leadership change hits sentiment

Another leadership change has put Treasury Wine back in focus.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) shares are in the red on Tuesday after investors were handed another leadership update.

At the time of writing, the Treasury Wine share price is down 2.82% to $4.48.

The move adds to a rough period for shareholders. The Penfolds owner is now down around 15% in 2026 and 46% over the past year.

The latest pressure comes as the company prepares for a major change to how the business is run.

A woman sniffs a glass of wine as part of a wine-tasting event.

Image source: Getty Images

CFO exit brought forward

According to the release, Boxer's retirement has been moved forward by a month.

His departure was announced in March and had been scheduled for 30 September. This was one day before Treasury Wine's new regional operating model takes effect on 1 October.

He is now set to leave on 30 June, after six years with the company.

Deputy CFO Justin Pipito will reportedly become interim CFO and strategy officer from 1 June.

Treasury Wine did not give a reason for the earlier exit date.

A business in the middle of a reset

Treasury Wine is also working through a broader restructure after a difficult stretch in key markets.

The company announced in April that it would shift to a regional operating model across the Americas, Australia and New Zealand and Europe, Greater China, and emerging markets.

The restructure also means Penfolds will no longer sit as a stand-alone division.

It is a significant change for the business, given Penfolds has long been Treasury Wine's flagship luxury wine brand.

Management said the new structure is designed to improve efficiency and accountability across each region.

The update landed well with the market at the time. Treasury Wine shares rose 16.54% after the company reaffirmed guidance and pointed to stronger depletions in China and the United States.

Depletions refer to shipments from distributors and wholesalers to customers such as retailers, bottle shops, and restaurants. They can give a cleaner read on underlying demand than shipments into warehouses.

Why the share price is still under pressure

Today's share price fall shows the market still needs more convincing.

Treasury Wine is dealing with softer demand, pressure in the United States, and a difficult global wine market.

It is also trying to rebuild momentum in China after several disrupted years.

There have been some better signs. In April, Treasury Wine said Penfolds depletions rose 40% in China over the Chinese New Year period.

Overall US market depletions were also up 9.1% on the previous corresponding period.

But after a 45% fall in the share price over the past year, the market still wants stronger proof that the reset is working.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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