Walt Klenz, Managing Director of Beringer Blass Wine Estates, the global wine arm of Foster's Group Limited, today confirmed the ongoing organisational structure for the premium wine business.
The new structure brings together management and winemaking expertise from Australia, the United States and Europe to form a leading global management team, charged with driving the Beringer Blass multi-channel global growth strategy.
Mr Walt Klenz said, "As we enter a new era in the evolution of Beringer Blass, we do so with a solid foundation for driving our trade businesses regionally and our wine clubs and services businesses globally."
Jamie Odell, Executive Director, Australia and Asia Pacific will continue to have responsibility for all trade business in Australia and Asia. Odell's management team will remain the same with the exception of Director of Production, Randolph Bowen, who will now also take-on overall responsibility for global wine services and head global supply chain management.
Mark Emerson, Executive Director, Global Wine Clubs and his management team will continue to run Beringer Blass's club business globally.
Jim Watkins, formerly Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer for Beringer Blass's US operations, has been promoted to the position of President, Americas, with responsibility for all trade business in the United States and Canada and oversight of the company's Chilean operations.
John Shortt, Managing Director - Northern Europe and Dick Wallingford, Managing Director - Central Europe, will continue in their positions managing the growing European trade business.
Pete Scott, formerly Executive Vice President, Chief Financial/Administrative Officer for the US, has been promoted to Chief Financial/Administrative Officer, BBWE Global Wine Group. In this newly created position, Scott will oversee Beringer Blass's wine services group, financial and long-term planning, accounting, business development, legal and global supply chain management.
Ed Sbragia, Senior Vice President, Beringer Vineyards Winemaster, will continue to directly oversee all Beringer Vineyards luxury winemaking as well as providing senior management with an overview of US winemaking activity and strategy. Sbragia will also continue to play a liaison role with the Castello di Gabbiano winemaking staff in Italy.
Further information:
Media
Rell Hannah
Director Corporate Affairs
Tel: +613 8626 3307
Mob: 0419 369 075
Email: rell.hannah@beringerblass.com.au
Analysts
Domenic Panaccio
V-P Capital Markets
Tel: +613 9633 2641
Email: domenic.panaccio@fostersgroup.com
