Madeira Wine Company with new leadership

Madeira Wine Company (MWC) announced the start of a new cycle in its executive leadership, with the appointment of Carlos Filipe Fernandes as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a role he officially assumed on January 1, 2026.

After 14 years at the helm of the company’s executive management, Chris Blandy remains as Chairman of the Board, continuing to ensure the long-term strategic vision and generational commitment of the Blandy family to the preservation and enhancement of Madeira Wine.

Carlos Filipe Fernandes transitioned to the CEO role after serving as Chief Operating Officer (COO), a position from which he gained in-depth knowledge of Madeira Wine Company’s operations. Throughout his time at the company, he played a key role in optimizing production processes and implementing a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence across the organization.

“It is an honor to lead MWC, a company with a unique legacy, passed down through generations, producing extraordinary wines that reflect the tradition and culture of a region, a heritage for future generations,” says Carlos Filipe Fernandes. The new CEO also emphasizes that, together with the team, he will continue to refine each stage of production, maintaining the high quality standards for which Madeira Wine Company wines are internationally recognized.

This leadership transition reinforces Madeira Wine Company’s commitment to balancing respect for its centuries-old tradition with the modernization necessary to meet the global challenges of the wine sector, ensuring the continuity and relevance of the brand in international markets.