New Zealand Winegrowers appoints Cox

15 May, 2009

New Zealand Winegrowers has named the new director for Europe.

 David Cox is to replace Warren Adamson from 20 May.

According to the organisation, Cox’s broad commercial experience across all sectors of the trade, his wide-reaching connections in Europe and his commitment and passion for sustainable wines were three key attributes which played a major part in the decision making process.  The key role for the director – Europe, is to assist New Zealand wineries in driving growth of the New Zealand category in the UK and developing European markets by promoting and retaining the sector’s premium status.

Global marketing director Chris Yorke said: “In David we have an extremely experienced professional, with a great knowledge of the trade both here and in Europe.  David’s experience will help us to grow markets, building further on the fantastic work that’s been done to date by our UK based team led by Warren Adamson.”

David Cox was previously managing director of Brown Forman Europe, where he developed the premium organic New World brands of Fetzer and Bonterra. Prior to that he worked for his family’s business, Matthew Clark, as director of export, giving him a total of 25 years’ experience in the wine trade.

Cox said: “New Zealand is in a fantastic place in this market already, but we can take it to the next level, broadening the appeal of New Zealand wines to a greater number of wine drinkers, while retaining and enhancing further its premium image. I am really keen to explain to wine consumers all the discoveries they can make with New Zealand wines.”