Tim Lockwood to head new AVL branch in Europe

Wine producer Australian Vintage has confirmed its determination to drive sales in the European markets with the appointment of Tim Lockwood into the newly-created role of business manager Europe.

Lockwood joins the company from the September 1, and will be based in Berlin, Germany. He brings a wealth of experience in the Australian wine industry to his new role, having worked in the sector in both Australia and Europe. After moving to Germany he worked for the Australian Wine & Brandy Corporation supporting wineries with market activities and market entry in Continental Europe as well as implementing a media and education plan in line with Wine Australia’s EMEA strategy.

Lockwood joins from Grant Burge Wines where he has held the position of European sales and marketing manager for the past seven years. Comments Julian Dyer, general manager UK and Europe, Australian Vintage: “The appointment of Tim Lockwood and with it the opening of a branch in Europe is a real coup for us. AVL has seen a tremendous growth in the UK market in the last 12 months, and with our McGuigan wine brand now being the fourth largest in this market, we feel the time is right to expand further into Europe. With Tim we have someone on board who brings years of valuable experience in the Australian wine industry as well as a deep understanding about the drinks trade industry in the European Union, Switzerland, Russia and beyond”.

Adds Tim Lockwood: “I am delighted to head up AVL´s move into mainland Europe´s dynamic and certainly diverse markets. The strong and varied brands in the portfolio, nurtured by the multi -award winning winemaking team, led and inspired by Neil McGuigan, is a terrific base from which to grow AVL´s presence. I am excited to continue bringing the best Australia has to offer to the knowledgeable wine markets of the continent.”

17 August 2015 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor