UK: Former Orbital head joins Gonzalez Byass

The former managing director of Orbital Wines has joined Gonzalez Byass in the UK.

Mike Paul has been appointed consultant to the wine side of Gonzalez Byass, the company said today (3 September). Paul, who has worked in the wine industry for almost 25 years, was heading up Orbital when it went bankrupt at the beginning of this year. Prior to Orbital, he held the MD positions at both Percy Fox and Western Wines in the UK.

"We are thrilled to have Mike on board, he is a huge asset to our business and brings with him a wealth of experience that will further bolster our wine business in the UK," said managing director of Gonzalez Byass UK, Martin Skelton. "Mike joins a growing, successful team at Gonzalez Byass which I know together will help towards making 2009 a fantastic year for us."

Paul added: "Gonzalez Byass is going from strength to strength in the UK and I am excited about joining this dynamic business and looking forward to getting involved. I have had a variety of roles in the past within the wine industry and hope I can bring some of this experience to the table at Gonzalez Byass to further improve on what is already a very successful wine business."

In February, Gonzalez Byass appointed Suzanne Strain to the newly-created role of wine director, while Michelle Downs has become on-trade business manager. Strain, who was previously director for Flagstone UK, has also worked for companies including Western Wines and Edward Cavendish.

Downs, who is now responsible for on-trade wholesalers, has previously worked at Maxxium, Delegats and Laurent-Perrier in brand and account management roles.