Summergate announces management change

In a letter to trade customers, Summergate Fine Wines has outlined changes to the role of chief executive, Ian Ford, who will take up a newly created position of director of business development for East Asia effective from October.

Rose Scott, who is currently the general manager of merchandising and marketing for Summergate’s parent company, Endeavour Drinks Group will take over from Ian Ford and will lead the group’s Chinese wholesale distribution business.

Scott has been with the Endeavour group since 2013 and currently leads the overall buying and marketing strategies across the group.

She has worked in the Australian liquor industry for 20 years and has also held senior roles at Southcorp Wines, Foster’s and McWilliam’s Wines and managed a host of international wine brands.

Scott will report to Martin Smith, Endeavour’s managing director.

Ford has accepted a newly created position of director of business development for East Asia based in Shanghai and will guide the group’s activities and strategies in the East Asia market. He will also remain as non-executive director on the board.

In the letter Ford said: “In late 2014, the Endeavour Drinks Group (formerly the Woolworths Liquor Group) acquired Summergate Fine Wines and the business has undergone a significant transition during this period.

“The business has made tremendous progress in a number of areas and the Endeavour Drinks Group sees real value in its future potential as a key part of our portfolio.”