Andy Fennell joins Off-Piste Wines as Chair

Andy Fennell, former CMO and Regional President at Diageo, has been appointed as Chair of Off-Piste Wines, the Cheltenham-based wine brand developer and distributor, following investment by BGF and an introduction from its Talent Network, which connects portfolio companies with the expertise to support growth.

Off-Piste Wines received an £8m investment from BGF in December 2019. Established in 2007 by Paul Letheren and Ant Fairbank, the business has developed a portfolio of modern wines sourced from 11 different countries, divided between its own proprietary brands – such as Most Wanted and Pinot Pinot, and private-label brands for the UK’s largest supermarkets, supplying all the major retailers. Off-Piste Wines reached sales of £40m in 2018 and was listed on the 2019 Sunday Times HSBC International Fast Track 200.

Following an 18-year career at Diageo, with roles including Chief Marketing Officer and President of the African Region, Andy Fennell embarked on a portfolio career with various business ventures. As well as Chair of Off-Piste Wines, Andy is Chair of London-based Design Agency, Bloom and has been a senior advisor to McKinsey since 2015.

BGF’s Talent Network is one of the largest groups of board-level non-executives in the UK and Ireland. Focused on providing support and expertise for BGF-backed companies, its connections range from board-level executives, strategic partners and corporate advisors, to policy-makers, angel investors and sector experts.

Andy Talbot, MD of Off-Piste Wines, said: “We set up the business 13 years ago to do things differently. Having expert product knowledge is one thing – working closely with retailers and offering consumers wines and labels that they really want is another.

“Since then, we have developed strong, trusted partnerships with a carefully selected group of like-minded producers in our favourite regions, to bring customers an impressive selection of wine in all shapes and sizes. We’re delighted to be partnering with BGF and welcoming Andy to the board for this exciting next step – having an investor and a Chair with market expertise and that is also invested in our vision for the business is crucial.”

Andy Fennell, incoming Chair of Off-Piste Wines, commented: “Off-Piste Wines is a really impressive business, created by a fantastic team. The company has established an excellent track record and reputation in the market, and I am excited to be joining for this next stage of growth.”

About Off-Piste Wines

Off-Piste Wines are premium mainstream specialists supplying major multiples, national on-trade, convenience sector and international markets.

Sourcing from trusted producers around the world, the company has achieved great success for its Most Wanted range (launched in 2015) and continues to innovate with consumer-focused brands and formats at the heart of its business