Laithwaites names new UK managing director

Laithwaites Wine has appointed former E&J Gallo senior European marketing director Glenn Caton as its new UK managing director.

Caton (left) joins the independent wine merchant from Hiscox Insurance, where he was managing director for the direct to consumer business in the UK.
 
He has also previously held positions in UK and European business and brand management for Procter and Gamble.
 
Caton said: “The opportunity to work in a highly successful family wine business was too good to miss.

“Tony and Barbara Laithwaite have built a wonderful business over many years by sourcing interesting, great value wines from around the world and delivering them direct to customers keen to explore the world of wine beyond supermarkets.

“The enduring nature of their relationships with suppliers and customers is testament to their desire to build a business based on sound values, fair pricing and great service.

“I very much look forward to helping Laithwaites continue to thrive in this highly competitive industry“.
 
Laithwaites Wine is the trading name of Direct Wines that is also the parent company to Virgin, Averys and the Sunday Times Wine Club.

The appointment of a new UK managing director completes the company’s team of senior managers, led by chief executive of the Direct Wines global group, Simon McMurtrie.

Speaking of Caton’s appointment, McMurtie said: “Glenn brings a wealth of experience in building leading brands and in consumer goods and financial services industries.  

“We are delighted to have a leader of Glenn’s calibre running the UK business”.

To read more on the current state of the mail order wine business, click here

Alan Lodge, 30.03.2011