CUMULUS WINE REACHES FOR THE SKY; Appointment Of Global Executive And Sales Team
Added: (Mon Oct 17 2005)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
Media Release
17th October 2005
CUMULUS REACHES FOR THE SKY
Appointment Of Global Executive And Sales Team
The Board of Directors of Cumulus Wines P/L today made the following announcement, effective immediately, concerning the future direction of the company, changes in company shareholding and executive appointments.
Following last year’s restructuring of the winery as Cumulus Wines P/L and the successful creation of the Climbing and Rolling brands, emphasis will now turn to sales in North America, Europe and Australia. Accordingly, Mr. Peter Wedgwood, current Chairman, is pleased to announce the following appointments to tackle global markets.
Keith Lambert will join the board as a director and Chairman. In addition, he will acquire from Assetinsure Pty Ltd a 51% controlling interest in the shares of Cumulus Wines. Keith came to Australia from Canada whilst with the Foster’s group and subsequently joined Rosemount as CEO, building the company to over a billion dollar enterprise. Following the sale of Rosemount to Southcorp, he became CEO of the combined group.
Jeffrey Wilkinson has been appointed CEO of Cumulus Wines, bringing with him 25 years of wine management experience. He was most recently President of Southcorp Wines Europe. Jeffrey will be based in Sydney, focusing primarily on widening distribution and sales of the company’s products.
Philip Shaw will become Managing Director, Winemaking & Production. Over the past 18 months, Philip has implemented the successful restructuring of Cumulus Wines, including the development of award winning labels and wines under the Climbing and Rolling brands. Philip will now assume all responsibility for vineyard and winery operations and will be based in Orange. Philip is one of Australia’s great winemakers. For over 20 years, he was the legendary winemaker behind the success of Rosemount and twice awarded the coveted Robert Mondavi Trophy for International Winemaker of the Year, as well as Australia’s Qantas Winemaker of the Year.
The company also announces the establishment of its own importing US subsidiary, Cumulus Wines USA, Inc. based in Kansas City, Missouri.
Additional announcements will follow concerning further sales executive appointments.
Commenting on the appointments, Mr. Wedgwood said: “We are delighted with the executive talent and wine management experience that Cumulus has attracted. We are building a formidable team, poised to compete and win in this challenging industry. Our unique brands, outstanding winemaking under Philip Shaw and international management ability offer an outstanding consumer proposition.”
Cumulus Wines P/L owns and operates a 1250 acre premium, high elevation vineyard in the cool climate region of Orange, NSW and a 10 000 tonne winery located nearby at Cudal.
For further information, contact:
Mr. Peter Wedgwood
Assetinsure PL
Tel. 00 61 2 9251 8055
Email peter.wedgwood@assetinsure.com.au
Mr. Keith Lambert
Cumulus Wines PL
Tel. 00 61 411 593 894
Email keithmlambert@aol.com
David Lindsay or Yvonne May
Lindsay May PR
Tel. 020 7470 8890
Email david@lindsay-may.co.uk
yvonne@lindsay-may.co.uk