Simon Berry didn’t start out at Berrys as Chairman. He worked his way up the ladder from the ‘vine roots’ at various wineries in France and it wasn’t until three decades after joining the company he was appointed Chairman.

Simon challenges the perception of a stuffy family firm with youthful vigour and a keen nose for the changing needs and tastes of customers. As Chairman, his main aim is to take the famous wine merchant to the next level by constantly improving and building upon the services available via the shops and internet.

Representing the seventh generation of his family, Simon this year he celebrates his 35th year at Berry Bros. & Rudd. In that time he has been instrumental in establishing Berry’s Duty Free wine shops at Heathrow’s Terminals 3 and 4 – the first instances of a specialist wine merchant operating such outlets in the world. He was also key to setting up Berrys’ award winning internet site www.bbr.com.

Simon believes the longevity and success of Berry Bros. & Rudd today is because the company is continually evolving and changing. Simon was appointed Clerk of the Royal Cellars in 2007 and took up this position in January 2008.