Rob Symington will join the London-based team at Berry Bros. & Rudd in September 2025, reporting directly to CEO Emma Fox.
In his new role as UK Managing Director, Symington will oversee sales, customer strategy, and marketing efforts.
Prior to this, he spent eight years at Portugal’s Symington Family Estates, including eight months as co-CEO. During his tenure, he was responsible for commercial strategy, sales and marketing, wine tourism, and sustainability initiatives, while remaining an influential board member.
Emma Fox expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating: “I have known Rob for a number of years, having worked together on projects such as our acquisition of Hambledon Wine Estate.”
“Rob is a creative and strategic leader and he’ll be a fantastic addition to our business. This appointment shows our commitment to strengthening our leadership team with exceptional people to help our business grow and to meet our future ambitions.”
Symington also shared his excitement: “I have huge admiration for Berry Bros. & Rudd – a family business which combines the best of British heritage with a thoroughly modern and dynamic outlook. I couldn’t be more excited to be joining the team.”
This announcement follows the recent appointment of Jamie Ritchie as Managing Director of International and Auctions, as well as the company’s plans to expand into the US later this year.
Founded in 1698, Berry Bros. & Rudd prides itself as the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. Notably, the firm acquired Sparkling wine producer Hambledon Vineyard last year in a joint venture with Symington Family Estates.
