Symington Family Estates announces leadership reshuffle

Symington Family Estates chairman Johnny Symington will retire after 40 years at the business, handing the reins over to his cousin Rupert Symington at the end of this month. Symington Family Estates oversees famed Port brands such as Graham’s, Cockburn’s and Dow’s, as well Douro still wine labels like Quinta do Vesúvio and Altano, and co-owns Hambledon Vineyard, England's oldest commercial vineyard, with wine merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd. Porto-born Jonny Symington MBE is due to retire at the end of this month, having joined the family business in 1985 and becoming chairman in 2019. Prior to this, from 1994 he served as joint managing director alongside his cousins Rupert Symington, who has now been named his replacement as chairman, and Paul Symington, who retired at the end of 2018. "The past 40 years have been a time of incredible progress, innovation and growth," said Jonny Symington in a statement. "Our company has gone through several total transformations over the last few decades, which has enabled us to become more relevant and successful in a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive market." "What has impressed me most over the years are the people who make things happen," he continued. "Despite the changing times, their motivation, adaptability and commitment have shaped our business for the better. Their resilience and courage through the Covid pandemic was truly impressive. I’m filled with confidence in those that will succeed me and the future of our company. I’m certain that our long-standing legacy and reputation for quality and reliability will continue. We will maintain our ability to adapt to a world that may well change as much in the next 40 years as it has in the last 40." Rupert Symington's former role of CEO will be shared by head winemaker Charles Symington and Rob Symington, who played a key role in securing Symington Family Estates' B Corp status back in 2019. As co-CEOs, each will have a different area of focus, with Charles Symington overseeing wine production and Rob Symington leading on wine tourism, sustainability and commercial matters.