PLB appoints new managing director

UK importer PLB has announced that its current sales director John Osborne will take the helm as managing director from 1 January 2014.

John Osborne, who takes over as PLB managing director on 1 January 2014

The move will see Osborne replace Peter Darbyshire, who has led the company since 2007 and will remain on the PLB board as a non-executive director.

Having joined PLB in 1997 straight from university, Osborne has held a number of roles within the business, including supply chain co-ordinator, account executive and national account manager. He has held the post of sales director since 2008.

Osborne’s succession follows a wider restructure within PLB, which recently split its business into separate on-trade, wholesale, convenience and retail sectors, as well as expanding its beer and RTD division, with the aim of better aligning its portfolio to the specific needs of each customer base.

Outlining how the company has changed under his own leadership, Darbyshire said: “When I arrived at PLB back in 2007, Robert Joseph’s description of PLB as ‘a large supplier of wine to the major multiples’ was very valid. Nowadays, PLB is a very different beast, our business model has evolved and the perception of PLB amongst the trade is very different.”

Looking to the future, he added: “I know that John, with all his experience and in-depth knowledge of PLB, as well as the great respect he has within the PLB team and amongst the wider trade, will do an excellent job.”

In return, Osborne praised his predecessor’s leadership “through the transition from agency to full service provider that leaves us so well placed in the market.”

Looking to the future, he continued: “The market place is continuing to change and evolve and I am excited about the opportunities that offer us to be flexible, fleet of foot and innovative.

“We have a clear vision of where we want to go and how we will get there. Our team of talented and professional industry experts will be the key to evolve our business and remain a partner of choice to our key customers.”

In a further shift for PLB, owner Jeffrey Fredericks has recently handed his position as executive chairman to his son, Simon Fredericks, who previously held the post of finance director.