Onwards & Upwards

An intrepid traveler, David has navigated the globe extensively, with over fifty international tours that included visits to every key wine region, each journey enriched by the exploration of diverse cultures, cuisines, and wines. This global perspective informs his deep understanding of the wine and food industry.

Prior to joining Kosta Browne in 2011, Mr. Hejl accumulated over 30 years' progressive leadership experience in growth-oriented strategy execution within the food and beverage/consumer products industry; 15 of those years in private equity. He has held executive positions with Nabisco, Berkshire Hathaway, Gourmet Award Foods and Ruiz Food Products. He began his career with Arthur Anderson & Co. His strategic expertise is demonstrated through his prior role as an Operating Partner with Unique Partners and through his positions on numerous Boards of Directors.

David earned his BS in Accounting and Finance from the University of Nebraska and his MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management. He is a certified CPA and also completed the Wine Executive Program at the University of California. As a noted speaker and educator, David has served on the Wine MBA faculty at Sonoma State University, as well as teaching Marketing and Finance at the McLaren School of Management, Marquette University, and the University of St. Thomas.