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Direct Wines appoints David Thatcher as group ceo as Simon McMurtrie steps down

Published:  05 January, 2015

Simon McMurtrie, Direct Wines group chief executive, is stepping down later this month to act as chairman for a number of businesses, with current UK managing director David Thatcher replacing him.

Simon McMurtrie, Direct Wines group chief executive, is stepping down later this month to act as chairman for a number of businesses, with current UK managing director David Thatcher replacing him.

Simon McMurtrieSimon McMurtrie

Thatcher joined the group in April 2014, and will take over the role on January 19, 2015.

ThatcherDavid Thatcher steps up to become Group CEO at DIrect WInes

Thatcher has worked across the media and retail industries for the past 30 years, including at senior levels at Sky, Virgin Media, and as chief executive of TalkTalk and managing director of Top Up TV.

Tony Laithwaite, founder and president of Direct Wines Group says: "Since joining us as UK managing director in April 2014, David has made an immediate and very positive impact on the business, and he has quickly convinced us that he is capable of stepping up to the group CEO role. He understands both our culture and our business model, and I am confident his customer-centred approach and his appetite for innovation and operational excellence will serve us very well.

"I'd like to thank Simon for his outstanding contribution to the business.  He has led Direct Wines extremely successfully for a sustained period. We are very grateful for that, and for his assistance in achieving a smooth leadership transition, including agreeing to continue to support us by bringing a number of strategic initiatives to a successful conclusion during the first half of 2015."

McMurtrie said: "Over the last eight years, we have transformed Direct Wines from a UK business to an international one.  Today more than a third of our revenues come from international markets.    In addition, the quality of wine, people and customers which make up our business, is better than ever.  Since taking my decision to work as chairman for different businesses as part of a portfolio career, I have been working with the Laithwaite family and the rest of the board to ensure a smooth transition to a strong new CEO.  I am delighted that they have decided to appoint David to the position and look forward to supporting him over the coming months."

Thatcher said: "This is a very exciting time for Direct Wines and I look forward to building on the tremendous work that Simon has done in the UK and internationally. I will combine my group responsibilities with continuing personal leadership of the UK business, and look forward to a close and productive relationship with the Laithwaite family."

Direct Wines remains wholly owned by the Laithwaite family - founders Tony and Barbara, and their three sons, Henry, Will and Tom.

The Group's major markets are the UK, US and Australia, alongside franchise and distribution agreements in continental Europe, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and India. It also produces some of its own wines, with vineyards Bordeaux and England and wineries in France and South Australia.

Its portfolio includes more than 2,000 wines from 27 countries. It operates Laithwaite's Wine, Avery's, WSJ Wine Club in the US and the Sunday Times Wine Club, among other wine businesses. It sold off its Virgin Wines business in November 2013.  

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