Vinarchy appoints new EMEA region leader
Amanda Almond will oversee Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for Vinarchy, the company formed when Accolade merged with Pernod Ricard Winemakers, after her predecessor Derek Nicol stepped down.
Vinarchy has announced that Amanda Almond will occupy the role of regional managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, effective from 1 September.
Former regional managing director Derek Nicol, who has held the position for the last five years, will step down to “pursue other opportunities”, said Vinarchy.
Almond brings more than 25 years of experience in the beverage industry, including senior leadership roles at Bacardi, where she led the company’s operations across North Europe, Iberia, Greece, the UK, and Ireland.
Ben Clarke, executive chairman for Vinarchy, said that Almond is “known for her commercial acumen and strong leadership, alongside her passion for growing premium brands and high-performing teams.”
Clarke added: “Her experience and energy will be a great asset as we continue to grow our presence across EMEA.”
Amazing portfolio
Speaking about her appointment, Almond said: “I am thrilled to be joining Vinarchy at such an exciting time for the company. I look forward to working with the EMEA team and our valued customers across the region to grow our amazing portfolio of brands and drive the wine category forward.”
Clarke thanked Derek Nicol for his contribution and leadership “during a pivotal period for the business.”
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“Derek has played a key role in transforming the EMEA region and leading our global supply chain. We thank him for his drive, energy and commitment over the past five years. We wish him all the very best for the future,” he said.
Recruitment drive
Almond’s appointment comes just weeks after Vinarchy announced the addition of two drinks industry veterans to its board.
Former Berry Bros. & Rudd CEO, Dan Jago, has joined the firm as a non-executive director, as has Claudia Schubert, ex-Diageo North America president. Before joining BBR, Jago was MD at Bibendum, and group director for beer, wines and spirits for UK supermarket giant Tesco. Meanwhile, Schubert has “deep expertise in scaling brands, transforming brand portfolios through M&A and leveraging analytics and technology into winning routes-to-market,” according to Vinarchy.
The newly appointed board has been hand-picked to steer Vinarchy into its “next exciting chapter,” according to an official statement. Executive chairman Ben Clarke was chairman of Accolade Wines before the merger, and has experience working in Australia and New Zealand as well as in Europe.
As the firm continues to compile its A-team, Vinarchy also announced it was investing AU$100m in shaking up its wine production facilities in South Australia. The firm said it will establish Rowland Flat in the Barossa Valley as its centre of excellence for premium and sparkling winemaking, with Berri Estates in the Riverland becoming its primary commercial production and logistics site.
“Adopting this twin-hub structure at Berri Estates and Rowland Flat allows us to consolidate our resources and expertise, strengthening the business and ensuring we remain competitive in the face of ongoing challenges in the global wine market,” said chief supply officer Joe Russo.
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