A graduate in Biochemistry from Bath University, with a proven track record at Executive level within SME and larger corporations, running wine businesses across the globe.

As a graduate trainee with Diageo, I worked in a variety of Technical, Commercial and General Management roles, including GM of Callitheke (founders of Aqua Libra and Purdeys soft drinks), and Wine & Business Development Director based in South Africa during the mid 90's.

In '97, I became MD of the JSE listed Savanha wines, and was part of the merger team that created Spier, whereupon I returned to the UK to establish their Global distribution network.

In 2003, I established a Global Agency business specialising in South Africa wines and a Consultancy business (Blackrock wines) specialising in sourcing, menu creation and supporting wineries with global business development (whilst setting up the first Russian WSET school, and establishing Jamaica's only specialist fine wine importing company).

In 2017 I became the CEO of Yealands Wine Group in New Zealand, managing NZ's fifth largest producer, trading in 80 markets globally; the role involved navigating the business through a significant period of change following the sale of the business by the eponymous founder to a Marlborough based power business.

I became Chair of the IMW in 2018 and on returning to the UK in 2019, assumed the role of acting Executive Director of the Institute, leading the IMW through a period of exciting development as we navigated the challenges of Covid-19. I stepped down from the ED position at the 2022 AGM.

Primary area(s) of work: Trade, Strategy

Industry sector(s): Agency/Importer, Business owner, Buying, Consultant, Marketing, PR, Project management, Wine judge

Wine styles: Still red, Still rosé, Still white, Still wines

Wine region expertise: New Zealand, South Africa

Market expertise: Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe, France, Netherlands, New Zealand, North America, Russia, Scandinavia, United Kingdom

Specialisms: Establishment of vineyards, Sustainability, Economics of wine production, Processing of grapes, Blending, Quality assurance and control, Sensory evaluation , Branding, Distribution, Financial and commercial structures, Food and wine pairing, HORECA, Identifying and meeting consumer demand, Importation, Independent retail, Investment strategies, Marketing wine, Restaurant wines, Routes to market, Supplier/customer relationships, Supermarket and multiple retail, Wine judging