Diageo Australia’s Commercial Director Andrew Clarke has been appointed Regional Managing Director, ANZ – Accolade Wines.
He will commence with the business early in 2020 and will also become a member of the Executive Leadership Team.
Clarke had been with Diageo since 2017 and has more than 25 years in the FMCG industry, beginning his career in the UK. After moving to Australia in 2000, Clarke held Sales Director roles for Arnott’s Biscuits and Mars, before moving to the United States with Mars as Global President of its drinks business.
Clarke is also currently a board member of the Drinks Association.
Ari Mervis, Accolade Wines Executive Chairman, said: “I am delighted that a leader of Andrew’s calibre has accepted the opportunity to join us at this time. Accolade Wines is embarking on an exciting growth phase, and Andrew will play a crucial role by leveraging his excellent commercial skills and experience to enhance the company’s performance across Australia and New Zealand.”
David Smith, Diageo Australia Managing Director, said: “All of us at Diageo Australia congratulate Andrew and wish him every success in his new role. He’s made a great impact in our business over the last two and a half years’ helping create strong outcomes for us and our customers. He’s a big leader and whilst I’m sad he’ll be leaving Diageo early next year, I’m delighted he’s staying in the great Australian drinks industry.”
Treasury Wine Estates’ Asia and Global Travel Retail MD Peter Dixon also announced he was moving to Accolade Wines earlier this year.
Accolade sells its historic Houghton winery
Last week, Accolade Wines sold its historic Houghton winery, home to the brand since 1836, to Oakover Vineyards.
It follows last month’s sale of the Knappstein Wines label and assets to Yinmore Wines and the Stanley winery in Sunraysia to Duxton Vineyards Group.
Under the terms of the latest agreement, Oakover Vineyards will acquire the winemaking facility at Middle Swan along with the adjoining cellar door and vineyard.
Accolade will continue to own and produce the Houghton brand at its existing Western Australia winery at Nannup.
Accolade executive chairman Ari Mervis said: “We’re happy that through this transaction we have been able to ensure the winery will continue to operate in the Swan Valley.
“Over the past year, Accolade Wines has been actively reviewing its production footprint across Australia to ensure that we have the appropriate facilities in the right places to support our plans to increase sales of some of Australia’s preferred wines both locally and overseas.
“We look forward to growing and expanding our award winning brands in key markets around the world.”
