The CEO of Majestic Wine Group is set to take on the responsibilities at the same level for recent acquisition Enotria&Coe to cover the retirement of the present incumbent, Julian Momen.
The development, announced today (19 August) sees John Colley, who has headed up the UK alcohol off-premise operator – for a second time – since late 2019, will replace Momen (below) on an interim basis while a permanent successor is identified. Momen, who became CEO of Enotria in 2023, plans to retire at the end of next month but will stay on in an advisory capacity until “early 2026”.
Providing support for Colley will be the group’s chief operating officer, Elizabeth Newman, who will “take on a broader remit” as interim MD of the Majestic Retail division in the run-up to the “crucial Christmas trading period”.
“It has been a pleasure to work so closely with Julian throughout the last few months and I know he is as excited as I am about the growth opportunities Enotria&Coe has as part of the Majestic Wine Group,” said Colley. “Whilst I am disappointed that Julian will not be with us to deliver on some of those opportunities, I fully respect his decision to hand over the reins to a new CEO to lead Enotria&Coe through this new phase in its history.
“Julian leaves with the best wishes of everyone at Majestic Wine Group … .”
The acquisition of Enotria&Coe, which was announced in March, saw the London-based, 52-year-old supplier transition to sit alongside its new owner’s Majestic Commercial unit. The pair will continue to operate as independent brands.
