GuildSomm Announces Chris Tanghe as Interim Executive Director
GuildSomm announced today that Chris Tanghe has been named as Interim Executive Director, effective immediately. Tanghe previously served as GuildSomm’s Chief Instructor, and has taught the majority of GuildSomm’s classes since 2016.
Tanghe has over 18 years of wine industry experience, including leadership positions in hospitality and distribution. Prior to joining GuildSomm, Tanghe led wine teams at some of the West Coast’s best-known restaurants, and managed portfolio selections and sales teams for Vinum Wine Importing. The GuildSomm Board of Directors is confident that Tanghe’s experience across multiple sectors of the wine industry, coupled with his passion for wine education and mentorship, will make him an outstanding leader for GuildSomm’s staff and members.
“In my past four years with GuildSomm I've been privileged to play a role in the mentorship and education of our members,” Tanghe said. “I look forward to leading our team as Interim Executive Director to create more content and resources that will be relevant, useful, and accessible for our community in these changing times.”
Tanghe began his culinary career in the back of the house, learning the work of a line cook throughout high school in Cape Cod. He then attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY and went on to work in restaurants throughout the western United States before finally settling in Seattle. A burgeoning interest in wine and front of house hospitality motivated Tanghe to expand his wine studies, and he was ultimately inspired to make wine the focus of his career. While pursuing sommelier certifications, Tanghe worked at the iconic Seattle restaurant Canlis and helped open RN74 Seattle, the Michael Mina restaurant specializing in library Bordeaux and Burgundy. After years of study, Tanghe earned the title of Master Sommelier in 2013.
Congratulations!