David Cox becomes head of NZ in Europe

NZ Winegrowers has announced that David Cox will become its new director of Europe. Cox, who has called the role his "dream job" fought off an almost overwhelming response from a plethora of high calibre candidates, according to the generic body.

Speaking of his new role, Cox said: "New Zealand is in a fantastic place in this market already, but we can take it to the next level, broadening the appeal of New Zealand wines to a greater number of wine drinkers, while retaining and enhancing further its premium image. I am really keen to explain to wine consumers all the discoveries they can make with New Zealand wines.”

NZ Winegrowers said that Cox was chosen for many reasons, among them his "broad commercial experience, wide-reaching connections and commitment and passion for sustainable wines." The generic body added that Cox’s new position will be to assist NZ wineries in driving growth of the category in the UK as well as developing European markets by promoting and retaining the sector’s premium status.

Chris Yorke, global marketing director of NZ Winegrowers said of his new colleague: “In David we have an extremely experienced professional, with a great knowledge of the trade both here and in Europe."

Cox starts in his new London-based position on Wednesday, 20 May and replaces Warren Adamson who takes up the position of Craggy Range’s European sales director, a role which is also based in the UK.

Jane Parkinson, 14.05.09

Click below for a film of the announcement: