The Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has appointed Michael Saunders, the chief executive of Bibendum PLB, as its new chairman of the board. The last person to hold the position of chairman was Dan Jago, who had a three-year term in the role. Saunders, who is also chairman of drinks industry charity, The Benevolent, joined Bibendum in 1982. The company was bought by Conviviality…

The Benevolent has appointed Michael Saunders as its new chairman, following Tom Yusef’s successful two-year tenure. Saunders has worked at Bibendum PLB since 1982, and is now the company’s chief executive. He has pledged to use his expertise and extensive contacts to further raise the profile of the drinks industry charity with a particular focus on encouraging an increase in financial support from the wider…

Oddbins has crowned Steve Saunders from Bristol the UK’s finest amateur wine taster after 21,000 shoppers entered its blind tasting competition. Sixteen finalists gathered in London this month and an expert panel featuring Oddbins buyer Ana Sapungiu, Susie Barrie MW, Peter Richards MW and wine writer Sarah Ahmed chose Saunders, a 41-year- old civil servant from Bristol, as winner of The Palate 2014. The retailer…

Bibendum has doubled the size of its management board after growing turnover and profits in its latest financial results. Marketing director Fiona Cochran, operations director Bob Smyllie and supply director Kirstie Papworth join managing director Michael Saunders, finance director James Kowszun and off-trade director Richard Cochrane on the board. Saunders said: “All three new board members have been promoted internally following several years of delivering…