Willamette Valley Vineyards (WVVI) appoints John Hazlett as new CFO
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc. appointed John Hazlett
Under an employment agreement dated May 19, 2026, Hazlett will receive a base salary of $216,000 per year and is eligible for an annual performance-based incentive payment of up to $24,000, with goals set by the Company’s President. He has no related-party or Item 404(a) transactions disclosed, and he replaces retiring CFO John Ferry, who will remain during a transition period.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
8-K Event Classification
2 items: 5.02, 9.01
2 items
Item 5.02
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers
Governance
Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
CFO base salary: $216,000 per year
Maximum annual incentive: $24,000 per year
Effective date of CFO role: May 20, 2026
+1 more
4 metrics
CFO base salary
$216,000 per year
Base salary for CFO John Hazlett under employment agreement dated May 19, 2026
Maximum annual incentive
$24,000 per year
Maximum performance-based incentive for CFO John Hazlett, goals set annually by President
Effective date of CFO role
May 20, 2026
Effective date of John Hazlett’s appointment as Chief Financial Officer
CFO age
51 years
Age of newly appointed CFO John Hazlett at time of appointment
Key Terms
Chief Financial Officer, performance-based incentive, Employment Agreement, Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K
4 terms
Chief Financial Officer financial
"appointed Mr. John Hazlett as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer effective May 20, 2026"
A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the person in charge of a company's money and financial planning. They decide how to spend, save, and invest funds to help the company grow and stay stable. Their role is important because good financial decisions keep the company healthy and successful.
performance-based incentive financial
"eligible to receive an annual performance-based incentive payment of up to $24,000"
Employment Agreement financial
"Under the terms of an employment agreement between Mr. Hazlett and the Company"
Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K regulatory
"material interest subject to disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K"
FAQ
What leadership change did Willamette Valley Vineyards (WVVI) announce in this 8-K?
Willamette Valley Vineyards appointed John Hazlett as Chief Financial Officer effective May 20, 2026. He succeeds John Ferry, who previously announced his intention to retire but will continue with the company during an unspecified transition period to support continuity.
What is the new CFO’s compensation at Willamette Valley Vineyards (WVVI)?
Under his employment agreement, new CFO John Hazlett receives a base salary of $216,000 per year. He is also eligible for an annual performance-based incentive payment of up to $24,000, with performance goals established each year by the company’s President.
What prior experience does WVVI’s new CFO, John Hazlett, have?
John Hazlett previously served as CFO of RENA Technologies North America and Climax Portable Machine Tools. He also held senior financial leadership roles at Eaton Corporation and Microsoft, and founded Trailwise Advisory Services, a fractional CFO and financial advisory provider.
Was WVVI’s new CFO appointed under any arrangement with another person?
The disclosure specifies that John Hazlett was not appointed as Chief Financial Officer pursuant to any arrangement or understanding with any other person. The board of directors approved his appointment, and his terms are governed by an employment agreement dated May 19, 2026.
What document governs the terms of WVVI CFO John Hazlett’s employment?
His terms are set out in an employment agreement dated May 19, 2026 between Willamette Valley Vineyards and John Hazlett. The filing includes a brief summary and files the full offer of employment as Exhibit 10.1 for more detailed contractual provisions.