Spirits distributor Amber Beverage UK (ABUK) has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Nick Duncan as UK sales director.
Duncan (below) brings more than 25 years of commercial leadership experience across the UK drinks industry, with a proven track record of building premium and luxury brands across both the on- and off-trade.
He joins ABUK from Noblewood Group, where he served as UK country manager and led the successful UK launch and expansion of luxury vodka brand Beluga Vodka, securing national grocery listings, expanding distribution in the luxury on-trade, and building strategic partnerships across key UK customers.
Prior to this, Duncan held senior commercial roles at Champagne Laurent-Perrier, Pernod Ricard UK and Bacardi Brown-Forman, where he built extensive experience in customer development, route-to-market strategy and commercial growth.
The appointment signals Amber Beverage UK’s continued investment in strengthening its commercial function as the business looks to accelerate growth across its portfolio of owned and third-party brands.
Pavel Verblyudenko, managing director at Amber Beverage UK, said: “Nick’s appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening our commercial organisation with experienced, results-driven leadership. Nick brings deep expertise across the UK drinks market, exceptional customer relationships, and a strong track record of delivering growth in both premium brand-building and commercial execution.
As we continue our business transformation, Nick will play a critical role in unlocking future growth, strengthening customer partnerships and accelerating sales performance across all channels.”
Duncan added: “I am incredibly excited to be joining Amber Beverage UK at such an important time in the company’s journey. Amber has a fantastic portfolio of owned and partner brands, a strong route to market, and a real opportunity to unlock future growth in the UK.
“Having spent my career working across both the on-and off-trade, I know how important it is to truly understand customers, support the trade and build brands in the right way. The UK market remains one of the most dynamic and exciting in the world, and there’s a huge opportunity for Amber to grow by combining strong customer partnerships, great execution and a clear commercial focus.
“I’m passionate about working closely with customers and brand partners to create winning plans that drive sales, build brands and deliver long-term, sustainable growth.
“I look forward to joining Pavel and the wider Amber team and playing my part in accelerating momentum across the business.”
ABUK’s portfolio features more than 60 international brands, including Stoli, Writer’s Tears, The Irishman and a growing portfolio of premium third-party agency brands.
