Brown-Forman Rainmaker Poached to Fix Foster's Wine

By Ian Neubauer

Foster's Group announced today (Jun 12)  the appointment of David Dearie to the role of managing director for its Australasian wine business, effective late July.

Dearie will lead the company’s Australian and New Zealand wine business created as a result of a strategic review completed in February this year.

Dearie will bring to the role more than 20 years’ experience in the international liquor industry, including over a decade with Brown-Forman, most recently as managing director of the distributor’s Western Europe and African businesses, based in London.

Dearie also spent three years as president and CEO of Brown Forman’s wine group based in the US and has managed international brand portfolios and hospitality businesses on behalf of Inchape and Whitbread & Co.

"I am delighted to welcome someone of David’s calibre to the executive leadership team" said Foster’s CEO, Ian Johnston. "His combination of global drinks industry expertise and wine business understanding uniquely qualify David to lead Foster’s Australasian wine business.”

“David has a proven track record in wine, leading and growing businesses across multiple countries, channels and brands“, Johnston said. “David’s appointment completes the renewal of operational leadership required for the fundamental transformation of our business.”

Foster’s shares were trading at $5.13 at midday today compared to $5.05 seven days ago.

[Fri 12/06/2009 02:39:04]