David Cox takes New Zealand generic job in UK

David Cox, formerly of Brown Forman, is the new boss of New Zealand Winegrowers (NZWG) for the UK and Europe.

Cox, whose twin brother Michael runs Wines of Chile in the UK, was managing director for European wines at Brown Forman for 14 years, but left last summer after the entire European marketing team was disbanded. Before that, he was export director at UK-based drinks supplier Matthew Clark.

He said: ‘Becoming the head of Europe for New Zealand Winegrowers really is a dream job for me.

‘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.’

Cox will replace Warren Adamson, who took up the role in August 2005, and will take up a wine ambassadorial and marketing role at New Zealand producer Craggy Range.

Adamson told decanter.com: ‘David is a really good choice. He impressed us all through the recruitment process. I want to see NZWG keep going forward, and David is the person to do it.’

Written by Stuart Peskett