Naked Wines hires new boss after predecessor quit on same day as profit warning

05 February 2024 , 15:39

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Nakes Wines is performing well in the UK and Australia, but is struggling in the US (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Naked Wines has announced a new boss, Rodrigo Maza, following the departure of its former chief executive amid troubles in the US.

The appointment comes weeks after the company revealed job cuts. Former CEO Nick Devlin stepped down suddenly in November, on the same day the firm warned that profits would be significantly lower than expected.

Rowan Gormley, founder and chairman who has been running the business since Devlin's departure, blamed the poor results on Devlin "splitting his time across both the role of CEO and US president". While the UK and Australia branches of the company have been performing well, the US arm has been struggling.

In January, Naked Wines announced it would cut around 50 jobs to save £7 million. Mr Gormley expressed his delight at Maza's appointment, saying: "In his short time with us he has proven his ability to energise his team to get Naked back on the growth path, and his previous experience has a compelling combination of entrepreneurial start-ups and big company best practice, both of which we are going to need."

Mr Maza said: "I'm honoured and excited to accept the role of CEO designate at Naked Wines. The value that Naked delivers to its customers and winemakers is clear and provides a solid foundation to build on. I look forward to working with the team across Naked and getting this amazing company to achieve its full potential."

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Lawrence Matheson