Allan Scott Family Winemakers GM Appointed to Grow International Exports

A leading local wine brand has appointed a new General Manager of Global Sales to drive and support the company’s growth into export markets such as Australia, the UK, the US and China.

Aucklander Chris Tobin is an established entrepreneur, who after 10 years at Independent Liquor, founded the Thirsty Liquor business from a start-up enterprise into a thriving company which he sold in a multi-million dollar negotiation in March.

Within two years the business grew to 53 licensees nationwide.

Allan Scott Family Winemakers Marketing Manager, Victoria Scott, says Tobin’s proven know-how as a successful businessman makes him a perfect fit for the team.

“Allan Scott is a family business which functions on the passion and drive of every team member, both of which Chris visibly has. His experience means he’ll be able to see and understand the bigger picture of where we’d like to take Allan Scott Family Winemakers as a brand, and help us to achieve it,” she says.
Tobin’s role will see him focus on growing Allan Scott Family Winemakers in a domestic market, while also expanding the brand into international ones.

Tobin, who has worked in the liquor industry for more than a decade in both New Zealand and Australia, says he is looking forward to the challenge.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of growing the Allan Scott brand internationally; offering loyal consumers’ much-loved local drop to an expanding market,” he says. “I’m looking forward to working with the team to increase brand visibility and sales globally.”

Tobin says that strong leadership and surrounding yourself with good people is fundamental to the success of a business, and that his background in management will serve him well in his new role.
“I relish inspiring others, and I truly believe the most extraordinary results are achieved when you have a team working in-sync together,” he says.

“Effective team building is vitally important to ensuring motivated, enthusiastic and productive staff.”
Outside work, Tobin’s interests include outdoor activities such as fishing and snow skiing, and spending time with family.