Dean Taylor has announced that he is standing down from his role as CEO of DW8, the company which owns and operates Kaddy.

The company has announced Steve Voorma as its new CEO, effective immediately. DW8 described Voorma as an internationally experienced executive with deep global consumer and digital media expertise working for blue chip brands.

In a post on LinkedIn, Taylor said: “Today’s a day of very mixed emotions for me as I step down from the company I launched a little over three years ago.

“My vision was to build Australia’s largest wholesale beverage marketplace supported by an end-to-end logistics solution. From a standing start it was no simple feat.

“Launched under Wine Depot, phase one was to enter a part of the market that no one else wanted to touch – logistics – and use that to acquire the suppliers for our marketplace, while generating revenue.

“The strategy worked. From its humble beginnings our fulfilment division now operates seven warehouses delivering over 1.2m cases of booze per year. Up 500 per cent on the year prior – challenging growth for any business to manage.”

He added: “I am extremely proud of the unique and innovative platform that we have created. Based on our key metric growth, it’s clearly something that the liquor industry needs and wants. A solution not only for Australia but in every major alcohol market in the world.

“Based on this I feel that it is a fitting time for me to hand the batten onto someone new to lead my eighth start up in the booze and technology sector on the next phase of its journey.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone along the way who has been part of this incredible journey. My vision could not have been realised without you.

“While I am no longer at the helm, I remain as passionate as ever about the potential for Kaddy to become a global brand that’s synonymous with wholesale beverages.”

The DW8 Board thanked Taylor for his “immense contribution” to DW8 as its Founder and first CEO. Looking ahead, DW8 Non-Executive Chair Paul Evans said: “We are delighted to welcome Steve to DW8 and are confident in his demonstrated ability to build and lead high performing team and deliver results. Steve will be responsible for the next phase of growth for our marketplace and fulfilment business.”

Voorma added: “I joined DW8 because I could see the great potential in the company’s innovative and scalable software as a service platform and superior market offerings. I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with the Board and wider team to lead the business in fulfilling its ambitions to become Australia’s leading wholesale beverage market place.

“I believe we have an exciting future in front of us as we move forward to deliver tangible growth and shareholder results.”

Andy joined Intermedia as Editor of TheShout in 2015, writing news on a daily basis and also writing features for National Liquor News. Now Managing Editor of both TheShout and Bars and Clubs. More by Andy Young

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