Treasury names new US head

Treasury Wine Estates has named Bob Spooner as its new head of operations in the Americas.

Spooner (pictured) joined the company in January 2015 as the new chief supply officer where he subsequently worked to optimise the supply chain. In addition he was tasked with helping the supply situation surrounding the increasing split between TWE’s ‘Luxury and Masstige’ and ‘Commercial’ portfolios.

In doing so, the company said in a statement, he has “demonstrated that he is a highly capable and thoughtful leader with a proven track record of delivering change and building commercially focused teams.”

Spooner takes over from former US head, Sandra LeDrew. TWE’s US operations has been among its more difficult markets in recent years with unsold stock that had to be destroyed and some vineyard assets jettisoned at a loss.

The situation has been stabilised enough in recent years though for TWE to acquire new assets in the shape of Diageo’s wine arm, which includes brands such as Blossom Hill.

TWE’s CEO, Michael Clarke, commented: “The Americas is a crucial growth platform for Treasury Wine Estates and I am delighted that Bob will bring his exceptional leadership skills to this vitally important region.

“Our recent acquisition of Diageo’s wine business, and increasingly regional focus on TWE’s supply chain, means now is the right time for someone of Bob’s abilities to lead a unified and highly productive team in this region.

“This appointment will enable TWE to accelerate the momentum of our combined business so that we deliver the next stage of profitable and sustainable growth. I would also like to thank Sandra LeDrew for her many contributions to TWE over the last four years and wish her well in her future endeavours.”

Spooner will take up his post in the company’s Napa office on 26 February.