Mark Hyman's Challenge

Mark Hyman’s challenge as President and C.O.O. is significant, for, despite the indisputable quality of the wines, many people outside of the boundaries of Texas remain unaware of the achievements of Texas’ premium wine industry. Still, for a professional with his skills, experience, and energy, the challenge of making a quality product accessible to Texas and the world represents just about the most enjoyable job around.

Since joining the team at Llano Estacado in 1994, sales of the winery’s premium wines have grown and the reputation of the winery has continued to soar. One important reason for this is Mark’s proselytizing. Mark’s role with Llano Estacado is to help direct all marketing strategies, work with the winery’s impressive lineup of wholesale distributors, and brokers, while supervising the winery in every aspect of its operation. Mark works closely with Winemaker Greg Bruni in assuring that Llano Estacado’s goals are achieved.

"Llano Estacado has the finest winery management team in the state, and this is largely the reason we have maintained and even extended our position as the State’s top premium winery," says Hyman. "I feel like I am at the right place at the right time for many reasons. My previous experience in sales and brand management meshes perfectly with Llano’s expansion of its markets."

Mark began his career in the wine industry with The Seagram Wine Company, successfully working his way through a variety of marketing and sales positions. He then joined Vintners International Company as its Texas State Manager of Sales. In 1989 Mark accepted the position of Area Manager for the Heublein Fine Wine Group, where he was responsible for the growth of the company’s Napa Valley brands for Texas and surrounding states. Mark joined Llano in 1994 as the Vice President Sales & Marketing, was appointed Executive Vice President in August 2000, and President/C.O.O. in January 2001.

Mark believes his future at Llano Estacado is one that will see the winery expand production and sales, and continue its mission to promote the wines of Texas inside and outside the state. Mark’s role in these developments will be critical. His position at Llano Estacado and his knowledge and experience make him a key figure in the Texas wine industry. He carries out that role regularly at various industry meetings and events where he proudly represents the State’s largest premium winery. Yet, he still sees his most important role as his relationship with customers.

"I’m continuously pulled in many directions. It is critical to know what is going on in the ever-changing marketplace," insists Mark.

With a long string of awards and growing critical recognition, Mark Hyman is playing a key role in making Llano Estacado turn heads from coast to coast.