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Paul Schaafsma takes on the Chief Executive Officer role on 1 October |
New World wine specialist Accolade Wines has appointed its General Manager UK and Ireland, Paul Schaafsma, as Chief Executive Officer.
Schaafsma succeeds John Ratcliffe who will become non-executive Deputy Chairman and advisor on the company’s strategic development.
Schaafsma, whose appointment takes effect from 1 October, has been involved in the wine industry for nearly 20 years, with experience in the Australian, UK, European and African markets.
For the past three years he has headed the largest division of Accolade Wines. According to Accolade, the company’s market share in the UK increased by +70% under Schaafsma’s leadership, with Hardys wines increasing its share by almost 16%.
Prior to joining Accolade Wines, Schaffsma was Australian Vintage Limited General Manager UK and Europe.
Accolade Wines paid tribute to Ratcliffe’s work in establishing the company as the leading supplier of New World premium, commercial and value wines from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, United States and Chile.
Ratcliffe will pursue other business activities while continuing to provide strategic advice to the Board, Accolade said.
