Pernod Ricard UK boss elected chairman of WSTA

Pernod Ricard’s UK managing director, Denis O’Flynn, has been elected as the next chairman of the UK’s Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).

Denis O’Flynn, managing director of Pernod Ricard UK, has been elected chairman of the WSTA

O’Flynn, who held the position of managing director of Pernod Ricard’s UK arm since 2011, will succeed Nick Hyde in January 2015.

“I am delighted to be elected as chairman of the WSTA,” said O’Flynn. “The WSTA Executive Board represents a wide range of interests from across the trade so it is a great honour to have been asked to Chair the association.

“By working together, the trade has achieved a lot in the last few years and I am committed to building on this progress.

“This will be particularly important as the trade gears up to make its case for a fairer duty regime that recognises the existing and potential contribution of the industry to jobs and growth.”

Before joining becoming managing director of Pernod Ricard UK, O’Flynn was previously managing director of the group Irish whiskey arm Irish Distillers and also held various roles with Diageo.

Outgoing WSTA chairman Nick Hyde said: “Denis is persuasive, has a great blend of skills and experience and is passionate about the role of the association and the industry.

“I know that, as chairman, he will be a powerful advocate for our industry as the WSTA continues to expand its influence and membership.”