Ex-Pernod Ricard wine boss Atkinson joins Aussie wine producer

By Nigel Huddleston

Published: 05 October, 2015

Former Pernod Ricard wine boss Adrian Atkinson has joined Australian wine producer Wakefield Wines in the new role of European market manager.

He will be working with export general manager Neil Hadley MW and be responsible for managing the growth of Wakefield in the UK, working with importer Louis Latour Agencies.

Atkinson left his role as wine development director at Perond Ricard in July 2014 and has since been working as a consultant.

Wakefield managing director Mitchell Taylor said: "We're proud of Wakefield's success in the UK, and with Adrian's established credentials and passion for the wine industry, we have a great opportunity to expand our growth in the region.

"Adrian brings a strong balance of market knowledge, product development and commercial grounding to the Wakefield team and we look forward to him being an integral part of evolving the Wakefield brand."

Atkinson was a senior wine buyer for Oddbins in the 1990s and has also worked for Sainsbury's.

Atkinson said: "Being a part of a family-owned business is a new challenge for me, and it is exciting to be working so closely with the Taylor family to bring the Wakefield story to UK wine lovers.

"I'm really looking forward to working with the team here and in Australia to further shape Wakefield's future in this market."

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