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National body for English and Welsh wine industry reveals name and CEO

Published:  14 December, 2017

The national body for the English and Welsh wine industry has been named Wines of Great Britain (WineGB).

The WineGB name, to be used with immediate effect, will feature on all the industry body’s outward-facing communications including its website, which will be launched in January 2018 as wineGB.co.uk.  

Today’s announcement follows the formal merger on 1 September of the two industry bodies: United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA) and English Wine Producers (EWP).

At the same time, the board also revealed it has appointed David Parkinson as CEO of the organisation, who will officially start 1 January 2018.

Having grown up in the brewing industry, Parkinson’s career has spanned the wine trade, advertising and local government.

For 10 years he worked in wine production, sales and marketing mainly in France, Spain and USA, after which he switched career to spend the next 18 years in consumer and business-to-business advertising.

Since 2007 he has been closely involved in local and central government projects, which has included a stint as leader of a District Council.

Commenting on his appointment, Parkinson said: “I am relishing the opportunity to ensure that this growing industry continues to prosper and to work with WineGB’s members to ensure they have the support from their trade organisation to deliver tangible results that have a positive impact on their businesses.”

Harnessing the input from Central Government to local authorities was an essential component of this role as well as identifying what WineGB could learn from other wine regions around the world and making that relevant to the needs and requirements of our members, he added.

WineGB said it was “delighted” to announce the appointment.

“David brings strong expertise in planning, environmental issues and economic development, all of which will be vital in taking this rapidly expanding industry forward,” said chairman, Simon Robinson, adding his many skills would prove an invaluable asset to the central operational team.”