Pernod Ricard UK chief to be new WSTA chair

By Gemma McKenna

Published: 11 September, 2014

Pernod Ricard UK's managing director Denis O'Flynn has been selected as the new chairman of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

O'Flynn will succeed Nick Hyde, also current chair of Diageo Wines Europe, in the post in January 2015.

Denis O'Flynn Denis O'Flynn new WSTA chairPernod Ricard UK's managing director Denis O'Flynn has been selected as the new chairman of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association, starting January 2015.

O'Flynn has worked in the wine and spirits trade for over 30 years. He started his career in brewing and following a number of roles in Diageo, joined Pernod Ricard in 1998 as HR director of Irish Distillers. He held the position of managing director at Pernod Ricard's Irish business before being appointed to lead the group's UK operations in 2011.

He has been a member of the WSTA executive board since 2011.

O'Flynn said: "I am delighted to be elected as chairman of the WSTA. The WSTA executive board represents a wide range of interests from across the trade so it is a great honour to have been asked to chair the association.

"The industry has achieved a great deal under Nick's leadership. He has brought an enormous amount of wisdom and guidance to the role and he has been a steady hand during challenging times for the sector.

"By working together, the trade has achieved a lot in the last few years and I am committed to building on this progress. This will be particularly important as the trade gears up to make its case for a fairer duty regime that recognises the existing and potential contribution of the industry to jobs and growth."

Outgoing chair Hyde said: "Denis is persuasive, has a great blend of skills and experience and is passionate about the role of the association and the industry. I know that, as chairman, he will be a powerful advocate for our industry as the WSTA continues to expand its influence and membership."

The WSTA represents over 340 UK companies producing, importing, transporting and selling wines and spirits. It works to promote the responsible production, marketing and sale of alcohol.

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