Berry Bros names Emma Fox CEO

Wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros & Rudd has appointed Emma Fox as chief executive.

Emma Fox will become CEO of Berry Bros & Rudd from 3 August 2020

Fox will take up the position from 3 August. She has been an independent director of the family-owned firm’s board of directors since October 2017.

Dan Jago stepped down as chief executive of Berry Bros & Rudd in January 2019 after three years in the role. Lizzy Rudd assumed the position of executive chairman of the company following his departure.

Rudd will return to the position of chair of Berry Bros & Rudd, and will continue to work closely with Fox.

“Over the past few years as a director, I have got to know BB&R [Berry Bros & Rudd] very well, I share its values and am passionate about a culture where people flourish and have fun,” Fox said.

“I believe that with our incredibly strong heritage, we are really well positioned to embrace the exciting future ahead of us and I can’t wait to join the team.”

Fox will also take up the post of chair of San Francisco-based Hotaling & Co’s board of directors from 3 August. Berry Bros & Rudd has a majority share in the importer-distiller company. She will replace Philip Bowman, who has retired.

Fox has been CEO of The Original Factory Shop since 2017, and previously worked as group commercial director at Halfords. She had previously worked in the food and drinks sector at Bass Brewers and Asda/Walmart.

Rudd commented: “We were delighted when Emma accepted our offer. She already knows the business incredibly well and it’s a very natural next step.

“During her time on our board, Emma has played a fundamental part in setting our business strategy. In the past 18 months, we have reshaped our business to invest in our fine wine business and spirits brands, and now is a good time to hand over the reigns to Emma and for her to take the strategy forward.”