Former Bidendum CEO Michael Saunders has been appointed CEO of Coterie Holdings.

Saunders is set to assume the new role at Coterie, which is the holding company for Lay & Wheeler and Jera Wine, on January 1 2024. Saunders will be working alongside Coterie’s chair, Chris Robinson, the former group CFO of Berry Bros & Rudd.

He first joined Bidendum in 1983, before returning as its CEO when C&C Group acquired the company in 2018 following a brief hiatus from the business. Saunders has also chaired the WSTA and The Drinks Trust.

Speaking of the appointment, Saunders said: “Whilst it was a wrench to leave Bibendum after all these years, I am excited to be joining a group which has the vision, ambition, and wherewithal to drive positive and energetic change. 

“I look forward to leading Coterie to become a key player in our industry. I already see so many opportunities for the group, underpinned by Coterie’s passion for doing business with great integrity and purpose, and with a determined focus on customer engagement and service.”