AUSTRALIA – Accolade Wines CEO Robert Foye has left the Australian wine group following the announcement of a merger with Pernod Ricard’s wine brands. 

Foye joined Accolade in 2020 as chief operating officer before swiftly transitioning to the CEO role. 

Accolade Wines, known for brands like Jam Shed and Hardys, confirmed Foye’s exit in a statement: “With the Pernod Ricard Wines merger announced, Robert has decided that now is an appropriate time to focus on the next stage of his career and to relocate permanently back to Texas to spend more time with his family.” 

In July, the group’s owner, Australian Wine Holdco Limited (AWE), announced the acquisition of Pernod Ricard’s Australian, New Zealand, and Spanish wine brand portfolios.  

The deal, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2025, reflecting Pernod Ricard’s strategic shift away from the wine sector. 

Ben Clarke, who was appointed chairman of Accolade Wines in April, will assume leadership as executive chairman.  

Clarke brings extensive experience, having previously served as CEO of Burton’s Biscuit Co. in the UK and chairman of Australian better-for-you food and drink distributor Soulfresh. 

The merger deal will see Australian Wine Holdco Limited acquire Pernod Ricard’s Australian, New Zealand, and Spanish wine brand portfolios.  

The ten brands involved in the sale are responsible for producing more than 10 million 9 litre cases annually and reflect Pernod Ricard’s change in focus away from wine. 

Australian Wine Holdco Limited, a private equity consortium, became equity owners of Accolade wines in February this year as part of a recapitalisation plan to improve the group’s financial stability.  

At the time, Foye said: “this agreement is great news for Accolade, our customers, our suppliers and our people… Like all Australian winemakers, we have been hit by a number of challenging macro-economic and industry headwinds in recent years.” 

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