Townsend working across different categories and channels, from Scottish Courage, to executive roles at Matthew Clark, Constellation Europe and Louis Latour over the last 30 years.

Townsend worked with Treasury Wine Estates for the last six years and over the last two years Townsend was also the chairman of drinks industry charity the Benevolent, helping raise substantial funds for members of the trade in desperate need of support.

Treasury Wine Estates’ CEO, Michael Clarke said: “Our deepest condolences go out to Dan’s family and loved ones. Dan is a big part of our business and he has been a role model for many. This is an incredibly sad time for our entire business, in particular for our UK and European teams.”