United Kingdom Vineyards Association appoints first CEO

The United Kingdom Vineyards Association has named Barry Lewis as its first chief executive officer.

Lewis - owner of the English Wine Shop and Amber Valley wine maker – assumed his new role in February. His responsibilities include building the UKVA into an efficient central industry body and delivering services to the growers and producers in the UK. He will be working directly with the UKVA Council to co-ordinate the management committee.

Sam Lindo, UKVA Chairman said: "We're delighted to welcome Barry, who comes to us with a wealth of experience and will help us start a new chapter for the organisation. This is another milestone for the UKVA as the industry trade body representing growers and wine producers.”

Lewis said: "I'm delighted to be taking on this new challenge with the UKVA, and am looking forward to working with the Chairman and the industry committees to formulate and deliver a new business plan.”

Barry Lewis, a businessman and former professional archaeologist, is an English wine merchant. He runs Derbyshire vineyard Amber Valley Wines and online retail business The English Wine Shop with business partner Duncan Mercer.