Accolade appoints new GM for Australia and New Zealand

A spokesperson for Accolade Wines has confirmed the appointment of Chris Flaherty as the general manager for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific (ANZP).

Starting from 28 August and to be based in Sydney, Flaherty will take over from current general manager Rick Wilson, who has been in the role for just under five months.

Flaherty has extensive experience in the Australian alcohol industry as former CEO of ASM Liquor, a role he concluded around a year and a half ago to take up numerous advisory and board roles, still within the industry, including five months with Thirsty Camel bottle shops in Victoria.

Prior to ASM Liquor, Flaherty was managing director of Australia and New Zealand for Treasury Wine Estates for over two years and before that sales director – Australia and New Zealand. Flaherty has also previously held roles at Diageo.

“I’m genuinely excited to be joining Accolade Wines at this time in its development. The Accolade portfolio is full of wonderful brands that are steeped in amazing wine heritage and a key part of the fabric of the wine category. It’s a great honour and privilege to be leading the Accolade ANZP team and in collaboration with our trading partners to create joint value in bringing our wines to Australian consumers,” said Flaherty.

Flaherty will report to executive chairman Jim Anderson.