John Hearn joins Enotria as off-trade commercial director

By Gemma McKenna

Published: 27 January, 2015

Former Diageo Percy Fox global commercial director John Hearn is to become off-trade commercial director at Enotria.

Last year Hearn was announced as the new managing director for Spanish firm Codorniu Raventós UK, but he failed to take up the role in October and that company is still looking for a UK chief.

Hearn was with Diageo Percy Fox for 16 years, and is the latest high profile addition to the Enotria team. Since chief executive Troy Christensen, who previously led former Accolade Wines and Constellation's international operations, took the helm in June 2014, he has made a slew of senior appointments. These include Jon Pepper MW, former managing director of Buckingham Schenk as head of buying and retail, while Helen Munday, former marketing chief at Hallgarten and previously PLB, was appointed to the same role at Enotria in December.

Enotria has also recently invested in new premises - doubling the size of its existing office in West London's Park Royal area.

Christensen said Hearn's arrival adds "significant expertise and knowledge to further strengthen the senior team".

"John has been instrumental in developing market share growth in his previous roles and has comprehensive experience of the wine industry both on the retail and supply side - with a clear understanding of customer needs. He has also developed market-leading brands from across the Diageo portfolio. He will be a fantastic addition to our team here, and with his arrival we look to drive a step change in the business. We'll be adopting some bold exciting moves which will develop the business at pace ensuring we offer market leading excellence in our offering in every channel."

Hearn said: "I am passionate about how we both excite and inspire our shoppers to buy wine in this market. Many people see the UK market as challenging at this time, but I believe we need to focus on building strong brands, engaging with our consumers and working on category solutions that will unlock the huge potential that exists."

Speaking to Harpers.co.uk back in November, Christensen hinted that "big things" could be afoot at Enotria. "Clearly I have some aspirations of doing some big, exciting things. But unfortunately some basic things need sorted out first," he said.

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