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Henry to leave UK for top job at Wine Australia

Published:  23 July, 2008

Former Harpers deputy editor Paul Henry has landed the top job at promotional body Wine Australia following the retirement of current general manager Jonathan Scott. Henry, who currently heads up the UK office of Wine Australia, will be relocating to Australia with his family in the New Year.

Of paramount concern is to manage a seamless transition

in the UK office and to ensure that all programme plans and activities for '05/'06 are bedded down and ready to roll out,' he commented. To realise this process, I will be taking over

the role from mid-December but not relocating to Adelaide until Easter 2006. This should comfortably accommodate all the current ADT programme activity, our March AGM and the remainder of the year-end planning, as well as providing a suitable hand-over period.'

Sam Tolley, chief executive of the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation, said that he recognises the considerable importance of Paul's appointment at a time when the Australian wine sector is facing challenging trading conditions in export markets.

Paul is very well suited to oversee our global marketing activity given his strategic marketing capabilities, extensive industry experience and detailed knowledge of the Corporation and Australian wine sector.'

Asked if the appointment of an English person to the role had been seen as a problem, Henry said that although some in the industry might have had a few grumbles, all the responses I've had have been positive. I think that most will welcome the perspective I can give to the role, coming from Australia's largest and most successful market. The lessons we've learned from the UK can be used as a template for further expansion, although obviously each programme will be tailored to each individual market.'

Henry took over the running of the London office from Hazel Murphy in 2003. A replacement is currently being recruited.

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