Foster's Group Limited (Foster's) today announced the appointment of David Dearie to the role of Managing Director, Australasian Wine. David will lead the Australian and New Zealand wine business created as a result of the Wine Strategic Review completed in February this year.

David brings to the role over 20 years of experience in the international drinks industry, including over a decade with global drinks company Brown Forman, most recently as Managing Director Western Europe and Africa based in London. David spent three years as President and Chief Operating Officer of Brown Forman’s Wine Group based in the US, and has managed international brand portfolios and hospitality businesses on behalf of Inchape and Whitbread & Co.

"I am delighted to welcome someone of David’s calibre to the executive leadership team" said CEO, Ian Johnston. "His combination of global drinks industry expertise and wine business understanding uniquely qualify David to lead Foster’s Australasian wine business.”

“David has a proven track record in wine, leading and growing businesses across multiple countries, channels and brands“, Ian said.

“David’s appointment completes the renewal of operational leadership required for the fundamental transformation of our business.”
David will relocate from the UK to Australia over coming weeks and will commence his role in late July.
A brief biography is attached to this announcement.



Further information:

Media                                             Investors

Troy Hey                                         Ian Betts
Tel: +61 3 9633 2085                  Tel: +61 3 9633 2273
Mob: +61 409 709 126                Mob: +61 400 532 466



BIOGRAPHY

David Dearie
Managing Director, Australian Wine
Foster's Group Ltd



EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE

BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION

2006 - 2008 Managing Director, Western Europe and Africa
2003 - 2006 President and Chief Operating Officer, Wine Group
2002 - 2003 Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Wine Group
2001 - 2002 Senior Vice President, Wines International
1999 - 2001 Vice President Human Resource and Strategy, Advancing
1997 - 1999 Regional Vice President, Central Europe, AMG

INCHCAPE

1994-1997 Regional Liquor Director and Internal Consultant, South East
Asia, Singapore
1994-1994 General Manager Marketing Services, Abu Dhabi
1992-1993 Sales and Marketing Manager, Bahrain

WHITBREAD & CO PLC

1988-1992 Regional Development Manager, Beefeater Pub & Restaurants, Scotland
1986-1988 Business Development Manager


EDUCATION

University of Hull, UK
Chartered Institute of Marketing Diploma

Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland
Hotel Catering and Institutional Management Diploma

PERSONAL

Age: 47
Married with one child