Outgoing HP chairman to lead winery

Combining his love of wine with a business opportunity, outgoing HP chairman Lew Platt was named in November as CEO of Kendall-Jackson Wineries.

The 58-year-old Platt, who steps down from the HP board chairman post at the end of this month to make way for Dick Hackborn, said his second career was with a company that valued employees the way HP does — but is in an industry so different he won’t be tempted to compare the companies.

Platt said in a published interview that his social life revolves around wine — charity events he and his wife host center on wine-tasting — and he’s been a wine collector for years.

“We’re looking forward to putting all of his expertise to work,” said Kendall-Jackson chairman and founder Jess Jackson. Winery COO Leonard Cairney added that “Throughout his career, one distinguishing feature has been Lew’s leadership in establishing Hewlett-Packard as one of the very best places for people to work. We’re looking forward to his helping us enhance Kendall-Jackson so that we can continue to attract and keep the top wine talent in the world.”