Acker
Samantha Compono Harrigan has a diverse work experience spanning several roles and industries. Samantha started their career in 2006 at Acker, where they held various positions including Consignment Specialist, Director of Operations, and most recently Chief Marketing Officer. In 2022, they joined Product Motif Inc as a Partner and Investor, where they focus on delivering innovative solutions to common medical problems. Additionally, since 2006, they have been the President of Vintage Cellar Consulting (now known as CWE), a leading provider of fine and rare wine consultation services. Samantha specializes in expert consultations on cellar inventory construction, buying and selling through auction and retail channels, and wine cellar curating.
Samantha Compono Harrigan completed their Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations/Spanish/Economics from Bucknell University between 1999 and 2003. In 2001, they also pursued studies in Spanish and Iberian Studies at Universidad CEU San Pablo for a year and Spanish Language and Literature at Universidad de Sevilla for a semester.
Later, in 2006, Samantha obtained an Advanced Certification with Merit in Viticulture and Vinification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
In terms of additional certifications, Samantha obtained a Data & Analytics certification from Section4 in March 2022, a Brand Strategy certification from Section4 in October 2021, and a Product Strategy certification from Section4, also in October 2021. Samantha holds Auctioneer certifications from the State of Delaware and the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, but the specific dates of obtaining these certifications are not provided. Additionally, Samantha has a Marketing Strategy Certification, though no information is available regarding the institution or acquisition date for this certification.
Acker
Now in its third century of business, established in 1820, Acker is the oldest and most respected wine shop in America, the largest global wine auction house, and the preeminent destination for fine wine and spirits worldwide. A true one-stop-shop for expert wine services in every form, Acker’s culture is deeply rooted in customer service, upholding a commitment to the highest standards, applied across a vast array of amenities including a world-class wine club, fine wine retail inventory, a wine concierge service, advisement on wine as an investment, cellar consultations and appraisals, first-class wine education programs, bespoke events and tastings, corporate business services, and its crown jewel, global fine and rare wine and spirits auctions. In 2008, only ten years after its first auction in New York City, Acker became the first auction house to recognize the growing thirst for wine in Asia and held its first Asia sale on May 31st, 2008 in Hong Kong. In 2011, Acker cemented its position at the top of the wine auction market by being the first wine auction firm to exceed US$100 million in revenue between all of its affiliates, setting hundreds of world records for wine throughout the year in the process. It crossed the $1 billion mark in auction revenue in 2018. With affiliated companies in Hong Kong, New York City, Tokyo, London, and further expansion on the horizon, Acker hosts “live” auctions every month, and has a constantly running internet auction, providing its clients constant access to the world’s best wines and spirits. Today, it is the world’s largest wine auction house, atop the wine auction market in revenue earnings for the majority of the past decade. Its name is synonymous with personalized, polished, and expert services in all areas of wine and spirits.