Peter Yealands, founder of the company, said that after a comprehensive international recruitment process, Garforth had been selected as the incoming CEO replacing Jason Judkins.

“It was always going to be a challenge replacing someone of Jason’s calibre, however Adrian brings with him a wealth of international business development experience in addition to his globally recognised wine qualifications,” said Yealands.

Garforth has previously worked with Yealands in Europe on a consultancy basis, in addition to working in global wine importation and distribution.

In 1993 Garforth became a master of wine and is currently vice chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine. He will become chairman in 2018.

Garforth said:  “I am looking forward to the challenge of expanding the distribution network further”.
Yealands says Garforth will be based in the Yealands Auckland commercial office, but spend a large portion of his time internationally and across the company’s Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough wineries.