MEDIA RELEASE
3
rd April 2018
Appointment of Chief Executive, Mr Darrell O’Brien
The Board of Allan Scott Family Winemakers is pleased to announce the appointment of Darrell O’Brien to the newly
created position of Chief Executive of the Allan Scott Companies.
The appointment of Darrell “is an important progression for the Allan Scott Companies” commented founder Allan Scott,
“as Darrell will lead the company through the strategic requirements of growth to a level fulfilling the rising demand
for our quality product in overseas markets; plus ensure a continuation of the broadening of its innovative beverage
presentations as the company also adapts to generational change in the next few years”.
“Mr O’Brien brings to the Allan Scott Companies, broad and proven leadership achievement at senior management level both
in New Zealand and Europe. His ‘hands-on’ approach, innovative way of thinking and natural ability to ‘connect’ with
people from all walks of life really supports our way of doing things. In addition, Darrell’s focus on achieving a great
operational culture, structure and a place where people really enjoy their work sits well with the way we want to do
things", observed Mr Scott.
“I am excited about the opportunity that this appointment presents”, comments Mr O’Brien. “I have admired the pioneering
spirit, sustainability and innovation of Allan Scott, his Family and the wider team at Allan Scott Family Wines since my
earlier close involvement in the industry. Their combined efforts and care for each part of the winemaking process leads
to the creation of great quality wine varietals vintage after vintage. My new role allows me to add my experience,
skills and passion to the existing Allan Scott Companies team and to lead the journey from ‘current state’ to the
‘future state’ that the group aspires to achieve’’.
Darrell and his partner Alessandra have two young daughters and have lived and worked in the Marlborough region since
2008. Mr O’Brien commences with the Allan Scott Companies on the 9th of April.
Ends
Allan Scott Family Winemakers
The Allan Scott Companies is one of the last medium sized family owned fully integrated wineries in New Zealand.
As a key Marlborough wine pioneer and Independent since 1975 the Allan Scott name is renowned for its consistent quality
and top value by generations of consumers. It provides a full portfolio of Marlborough varietals under its Generations
and Estate brands plus a range of sparkling wine created using Methode Traditionnelle under the Cecilia umbrella. In
addition the group has select boutique offerings from its small Central Otago vineyard Scott Base near Cromwell.
The company is also known for its innovative approach having developed over the counter keg technology and more recently
‘craft’ sauvignon blanc incorporating beer hops. It’s winemaking expertise and expanded capacity has attracted
significant 3rd party brand demand in recent years
With a strong domestic following to its own brands, the company also has sustainable long term export relationships in
North America; Asia especially Vietnam and Japan, the UK and Scandinavia plus Australia and the Pacific.