Aris Derksen

Arnon Grunberg Wines is an initiative of Aris Derksen that led to the partnership with the Dutch writer Arnon Grunberg. Derksen initiated worldwide brand communication strategy, creative development and tactical execution to launch the brand worldwide and provided all the necessary funds. The brand now ranks number 1 on the leading Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant web site in terms of profitability and awareness.

• Specializes in interim management for wineries in international markets through his own limited company Winter Business Group, S.L. in Madrid (Spain). • Applies his international sales & marketing management expertise to help early-stage and mature export wineries become successful, global operating businesses. • Joins the Board and/or MT of the winery and continues to support the export business and be available to the general management to help on any issue.

Global export management for Grupo Garvey (Nueva Rumasa) to which belong 6 separate wineries from the areas of Sherry, Cava, Penedes, Toro and Rioja: • Grew revenue from annual turnover 2008; • Boosted gross profit a substantial percentage; • Gained global supermarket chains to customer base; • Downsized obsolete staff positions • Created branch offices and appointed local sales managers in US, Philippines, HK, Japan e.o. countries

• Global export management for the two main wineries of this Schwyz based Swiss wine group, Castello di Meleto in Chianti Classico (www.castellomeleto.it ) and Robert Gilliard in Sion (Valais) Switzerland (www.gilliard.ch ). • Created a professional international wholesale program in all countries of the EU and the USA and Canada; • Conceived unique demand driven strategy to launch in international markets on a shoestring budget.

• Created a professional international wholesale program in all countries of the EU and the USA and Canada; • Conceived unique demand driven strategy to launch in international markets on a shoestring budget. • Grew the export business in both wineries from scratch into a customer base including presence in all key markets in the EU and USA; • Organized a strong skilled export division in Italy.

• Created a professional international wholesale program in all countries of the EU and the USA and Canada; • Conceived unique demand driven strategy to launch in international markets on a shoestring budget. • Grew the export business in both wineries from scratch into a customer base including presence in all key markets in the EU and USA; • Organized a strong skilled export division in Switzerland.

Orchestrated the pan-European launch of a global low alcoholic beverage brand (RTD) for Distell from South Africa, kicking off in Spain. Gathered business partners together for a strategic partnership with Distell such as Bacardi, Schweppes, Varma, Heineken and others. Created support and provided strategic market information and carried out on-the-spot-sales & marketing consultancy for Distell’s top management regarding all targeted Western European markets.

• Reversed the imported wines portfolio Grew business while slashing headcount and increasing productivity ; • Created and managed the on-trade marketing team of 8 and repositioned the 66 key import wine brands which represented 80% of annual turn-over; • Managed two acquisitions of partner import companies in Holland and integrated both companies into Vinites; • Spearheaded and executed the joint-venture between Vinites and Distell.

• Initiated the Group expansion in exports from own winemaking facilities in Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Leon and Castilla La Mancha. • Shored up distribution in 32 countries on 5 continents covering 55 exclusive distributors both in on-premise and multiple retail; • Exported 50% of the total annual turnover • Created a professional export division in Spain and a network of resident area managers abroad;

• Export Manager for the traditional liqueur producer of LICOR 43 among other key brands, with a total annual production then of 250.000 cases of which 30% was exported to the main markets in Western Europe and the U.S. • The job consisted of sales visits to local importers, finding new importers and planning and carrying out marketing and sales plans for both on and off license customers. • Worked with importers such as Jim Beam, Racke, Dethlefssen, Hiram Walker, Allied Lions, Seagram

• Assisted Dutch (multinational) companies to securing venture partners in Spain, i.e. importer, agent or acquisitions. Active assistance with product launches for Heineken (El Aguila), Douwe Egberts/Sara Lee’s take over of Marcilla, Holland Margarine, Gouda Cheese promotions , Van Melle (Menthos Mints), Bavaria Beer for Carrefour, and La Paz cigars and Clan Pipe tobacco (Theodorus Niemeyer now STG) for Tabacalera.

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