Mike Paul started his 30-year career in wine business and marketing after a postgraduate Diploma in Business Studies. Early in his career he became the Managing Director of the premium wine agency Percy Fox, representing Lindemans, Dows Port, Piper Heidsieck Champagne, Domaine de la Romanée Conti and numerous Bordeaux Chateaux.
In 1990 Mike became European Director responsible for the development of Southcorp’s business in Europe. He led Southcorp to become the UK wine market leader (by value) with brands such as Penfolds and Lindemans. In 2002 Mike was appointed MD of Western Wines (UK), a leading importer of South African, Chilean and Italian wines, and established the South African brand, Kumala, and Chilean wine Cono Sur.
He is currently a Wine Industry consultant working in addition to his Wine Skills role for Charles Back,the leading South African wine producer and Free Run ,a UK distributor and brand owner. He also presents on Business and Marketing through the WSET and more generally ,writes the occasional column for the trade press and works on ad hoc projects across the industry