Balzac Communications Founder Paul Wagner retires, Michael Wangbickler Becomes President

NEWS RELEASE

 

Napa, CA (August 31, 2017) – Balzac Communications & Marketing, a leading craft food and beverage marketing communications agency, announced today that Paul Wagner has stepped down as President of the company and relinquished the title to current Chief Executive Officer Michael Wangbickler. Wagner will take the title of President Emeritus as he retires from day-to-day operations of the firm.

“Over the past three years, we’ve been a company in transition,” says Wagner. “As I’ve stepped back from the management of the agency, Mike has taken on a greater role in the daily operations of the business. Now it’s time to hand over the reins, and begin a new era for the firm. I’ve been impressed with how quickly Mike has grown into the role, and I have every confidence in his ability to help grow and nurture the company I started more than 25 years ago.”

“I am incredibly grateful to Paul for his guidance throughout my tenure at Balzac,” says Wangbickler. “Paul has built one of the premier marketing communications companies in the food and wine business. I’m looking forward to shepherding the agency into the next phase of its evolution. We have a clear vision in place, and we have the team in place to execute that vision.”

As President Emeritus, Wagner will remain a strategic consultant to the agency, but leave the ongoing management of the company in the hands of Wangbickler. Wangbickler will retire the title of Chief Executive Officer and take the title of President.

Wangbickler has been with the agency since 2004, and has managed the company for the last three years. Throughout his time at the firm, he has worked with a diverse range of clients, from small, family-owned wineries to large wine companies and regions to public works/policy projects. He is recognized as an expert on the topics of food and beverage marketing strategies.

About Balzac Communications & Marketing – www.Balzac.com

 

Founded in 1991, Balzac Communications & Marketing is a marketing communications agency with a no-nonsense approach to combining the strategies and tactics of marketing, public relations, event management, digital marketing, advertising and creative services to assist the business goals of its clients. The experience, creativity and determination of the staff distinguish Balzac from their competition. They use these assets to develop and execute cost-effective campaigns which have won international communications awards. The agency is in Napa, California, and provides services to companies and organizations throughout the world.

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