DGB, a leading South African producer and distributor of wine and spirits, has announced the appointment of Andrew Harris as marketing director of its wine division with effect from 1 July this year. Harris, who joined DGB in 2019 currently holds the position of marketing manager, and succeeds industry stalwart Jacques Roux who is retiring after 18 years as marketing director.

Harris, who has a B. Comm degree in economic and management sciences from Stellenbosch University, has held various sales and marketing roles at some of South Africa’s most recognised premium wineries. At DGB Harris has led marketing strategies and activities for a portfolio of several of the company’s brands.

To quote Harris: “I am excited with my new role as marketing director, especially as I am following in the footsteps of one of the South African wine industry’s most seasoned and accomplished marketers in Jacques Roux.

“Together with DGB executive chairman Tim Hutchinson, Jacques has developed and built the value of some of the most cherished wine brands in South Africa, including Boschendal, Douglas Green, Brampton, Franschhoek Cellars and Bellingham, as well as the exciting innovation on new projects through Artisanal Brands such as The Old Road Wine Co. and Fryer’s Cove, which DGB acquired last year,” says Harris.

“DGB has cultivated a strong premium wine culture and with the ongoing support and vision of Tim and Group CEO Ricardo Ferreira, I am ready to play my part in our drive to be the most dynamic premium wine company in the South African industry.”

Ferreira says that since joining DGB, Harris has shown an excellent understanding of the company’s wine business, building meaningful relationships with internal and external stakeholders. “Andrew has successfully executed specific strategies for those brands under his custody, with tangible results,” he says. “His experience at DGB and with other premium brands gives him the needed understanding of the ever-changing consumer trends in the premium wine sector”.

Tim Hutchinson adds “I wish Jacques well in his retirement and I really appreciate his support as a loyal colleague and friend over the past eighteen years, through both the good and the bad times as we built the business from the initial management buy-out from Graham Beck. I congratulate Andrew on his well-earned promotion, and I am confident he will take our portfolio of brands from strength to strength with the same level of passion and commitment”.