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UK Wine Importer Names New Managing Director

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Buckingham Schenk Family is delighted to announce the appointment of Helena Martin as its new Managing Director. Taking over from current MD Craig Durham who is leaving after 21 years with the business, 10 of which as MD, Helena will join the business on 3 February 2025.

Durham leaves the position after a decade at the family-owned wine importer, having first joined the company in 2003 post his tenure with beer, wine, and spirits producer Constellation Brands.

With over 16 years of extensive experience in the wine industry, Martin brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. Her most recent position was as UK sales director at leading sparkling wine supplier Freixenet Copestick, where she effectively built and led a skilled sales team of 34 professionals. Under her leadership, the team successfully fostered key customer partnerships and achieved market-leading performance.

Prior to her time at Freixenet Copestick, Martin dedicated more than 12 years to various roles at Australian company Treasury Wines Estates, including that of senior business manager.

Martin’s Knowledge Seen as an ‘Invaluable Asset’

Schenk Family CEO Thierry Gaillard expressed his enthusiasm for Martin’s appointment, emphasizing the significance of the UK market for the group.

“We’re delighted to welcome Helena as our new MD for the UK, which is a key market for us as a group,” stated Gaillard.

“Her sales background and extensive knowledge of our industry will be invaluable assets for the group, and we believe her leadership skills make her a perfect fit for the role.”

Gaillard also took a moment to acknowledge the contributions of the outgoing Durham, saying, “I would like to thank Craig, our outgoing managing director, for his tireless work for the group and dedication to the business over so many years, and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Buckingham Schenk stands as one of the UK’s foremost wine importers, collaborating with major supermarkets, on-trade wholesalers, restaurant groups, and independent retailers.

Headquartered in Bracknell, Berkshire, the firm has cultivated long-standing relationships with wine producers in France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, and beyond.

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