Berry Bros. & Rudd appoints new chief executive

Emma Fox has been appointed the new chief executive of Berry Bros. & Rudd, which has been without a CEO since Dan Jago’s departure in January 2019.

Emma Fox has been named as the new CEO of Berry Bros. & Rudd

Fox, who has been an independent director on the fine wine merchant’s board of directors since 2017, will begin her role on 3 August.

Coming from a retail background, in 2017 Fox was named CEO of The Original Factory Shop Ltd, having previously been group commercial director at Halfords.

She also has drink industry experience having work at Bass Brewers and Asda/Walmart.

Following Jago’s departure last January, Lizzy Rudd stepped into the role of executive chair while a new CEO was sought, but the search was called off “for the foreseeable future” last March.

At the time, Rudd was only the second woman in the company’s 300-year history to helm the renowned fine wine merchant, after her grandmother Ethel. Next month she will return to the role of chair of the Berry Bros. & Rudd board.

“We were delighted when Emma accepted our offer. She knows the business incredibly well and it’s a very natural next step,” Rudd said.

“During her time on our board, Emma has played a fundamental part in setting our business strategy.

“In the past 18 months, we have reshaped our business to invest in our fine wine and spirits brands, and now is a good time to hand over the reins to Emma and for her to take the strategy forward,” she added.

Fox said of the appointment: “I am thrilled to be appointed as CEO and to work with such a strong and talented team. Over the past few years as a director, I have got to know BB&R well. I share its values and am passionate about a culture where people flourish and have fun.

“I believe that with our strong heritage, we are well positioned to embrace the exciting future ahead of us and I can’t wait to join the team.”

Additionally, Fox will take up the position of chair of Hotaling & Co.’s board of directors, replacing Philip Bowman who has retired. Hotaling & Co. is a San Francisco based importer-distiller in which BBR owns a majority share.

BBR is reviewing its wholesale division, Fields, Morris & Verdin, and is in consultation with FM&V’s 50 staff over the future of the business.