Rob Symington is joining the London-based team in September 2025 and will report directly to Berry Bros. & Rudd CEO Emma Fox.
As UK managing director, Symington will be responsible for sales, customer strategy and marketing.
Symington joins Berry Bros. & Rudd from Portugal-based family business Symington Family Estates, where he spent the last eight years including eight months as co-CEO.
At Symington Family Estates he oversaw commercial strategy, sales and marketing, wine tourism, people and culture, and sustainability, while remaining on the board of Symington Family Estates.
Commenting on the hire, Fox said: “I have known Rob for a number of years, having worked together on projects such as our acquisition of Hambledon Wine Estate.
“Rob is a creative and strategic leader and he’ll be a fantastic addition to our business. This appointment shows our commitment to strengthening our leadership team with exceptional people to help our business grow and to meet our future ambitions.”
Symington added: “I have huge admiration for Berry Bros. & Rudd – a family business which combines the best of British heritage with a thoroughly modern and dynamic outlook. I couldn’t be more excited to be joining the team.”
This follows recent news of the appointment of Jamie Ritchie as managing director for international and auctions, and of the merchant’s plans to launch in the US later this year.
Founded in 1698, Berry Bros. & Rudd claims to be the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. The firm acquired Sparkling wine producer Hambledon Vineyard last year as part of a joint venture with Symington Family Estates.
In January, Berry Bros. & Rudd announced that it was laying off 30 members of staff, citing rising costs and political factors as cause for the decision.
In other news, the Department of Health and Social Care has announced six new appointments to the Food Standards Agency board.
