Schenk Group promotes Craig Durham to MD

Craig Durham, currently sales director at Buckingham Schenk, becomes managing director of the UK wine importer next month.

Frank Hooij, director general of international activities at the Schenk Group comments: “Craig has been a key part of the management team at Buckingham for the last eight years, and has been responsible for delivering the company’s strategy to expand into new channels and product groups.

“He has a deep understanding of the business and the UK market and so is uniquely positioned to continue to drive Buckingham’s growth. Craig has an outstanding track record managing his team and working with customers during his time as sales director and we are confident that he will lead the company to more success in the coming years.”

Craig joined the business in 2003 as national accounts manager and became sales director in 2008. He has a wealth of experience in the wine trade and previously in the world of FMCG; prior to joining Buckingham Schenk he spent time at Constellation Wines and Kraft Foods.

Craig Durham comments: “This is a very exciting time for Buckingham as we grow into new product areas such as our recently acquired very successful Prosecco facilities Bacio della Luna and continue our drive into the on-trade, while established brands such as Viñalba go from strength to strength. I am thrilled to be given this opportunity, we have a fantastic team at Buckingham Schenk and we are fortunate to work with some outstanding producers and wines. I am confident I can continue the company’s recent successes and I look forward to the challenges of my new role.”

Craig will take up his new position on February 1st.

13 January 2015 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor