Management Changes Announced at Vinery

Vinery general manager Bates Newton will step down Jan. 1. Newton has served as the nursery's general manager since Dr. Tom Simon purchased the farm near Lexington in September 1999.

The management responsibilities will now be split between Ben McElroy and Tom Ludt as co-general mangers and Ken Wilkins, who will become director of stallion operations.
According to a release, Newton will continue to serve as a farm director and as an advisor to the Simon family.

"I was hired initially for one breeding season and I ended being here for six years," Newton said in the release. "Dr. Simon is very keen to give the next generation the opportunity to step up and take responsibility. This includes his daughter, Steffi Simon, who is becoming more and more involved."