Australian Vintage appoints Dyer general manager

The major Australian volume wine producer, Australian Vintage (AVL) has appointed Julian Dyer to general manager UK & Europe on a permanent basis.

He replaces Paul Schaafsma, who has joined Accolade Wines Schaafsma as head of UK, Ireland and AMESCA (Americas, Middle East, Sub Continent and Africa).

Dyer, who was poached from UK multiple retailer, Sainsbury’s in early 2012, will be responsible for the strategic development of the company’s branded portfolio, developing existing trading partners and instigating AVL’s cross-channel strategy in the UK and looking for market share in continental Europe.

AVL says appointment follows of the company’s annual results that showed total sales up 2.1% to $228M, with a strong performance in the UK and Europe where sales value increased by 1% YOY and net profit was 32% in growth YOY.