NZ Winegrowers fills European post

New Zealand Winegrowers has announced the appointment of Chris Stroud as marketing manager for Europe.

The news follows the departure of its former European director David Cox in July this year. Since then Stroud, who joined the organisation 18 months ago as its market programme manager, had already taken on the interim role of acting marketing manager.

With over 15 years experience in the wine trade, Stroud previously spent nine years at Treasury Wine Estates, then part of Fosters, working in marketing roles across Europe. Prior to this, he worked within the New Zealand wine industry for a year.

This new position sees Stroud become the main contact point for NZW in Europe, organising its seminar and education programme with a particular focus on key markets such as Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands.

Commenting on the appointment, Chris Yorke, global marketing director for New Zealand Winegrowers, said: “We have been very impressed with how Chris has handled the recent step up in responsibility and are confident he will ensure New Zealand Winegrowers continues its momentum to build the high regard for New Zealand Wines in Europe. “

Meanwhile, Stroud responded: “This is a wonderful opportunity for me and I am very excited about the challenges that lie ahead. I have always been a keen and passionate supporter of New Zealand wines.  I am looking forward to help build the New Zealand wine brand in Northern Europe and to maintain the highly regarded position that NZ wines have in the UK and Ireland.”

Alongside Stroud’s appointment, NZW confirmed that Sarah Shepherd has taken on the role of events manager for Europe.