New NZ Europe chief facing 'premium challenge'

Chris Stroud aims to boost NZ wine in Germany, Netherlands and Sweden

Stroud was appointed just before Christmas as marketing manager – Europe after an ‘extensive search’ by New Zealand Winegrowers.

The announcement follows the surprise resignation of David Cox as European director last summer after three years in the role.

Stroud, who spent over nine years at Treasury Wine Estates, has been working for NZ Winegrowers for the past 18 months as market programme manager, taking over as acting manager following Cox’s departure.

‘I see the key challenge facing New Zealand wine is to maintain our premium position in the markets while ensuring we manage the reduced [2012] vintage effectively,’ Stroud told Decanter.com.

‘My key priority in Europe will be to work with my colleagues at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise to build awareness of New Zealand wines within our key focus markets of Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden.’

‘We have been very impressed with how Chris has handled the recent step up in responsibility and are confident he will ensure New Zealand Winegrowers continues its momentum to build the high regard for New Zealand wines in Europe,’ said Chris Yorke, global marketing director for New Zealand Winegrowers.