About Philip Lynch Country Manager Ireland E&J Gallo Winery

Philip is a past President of the Past Pupils Union and went to both the Junior & Senior School graduating from the class of 1985 having spent 11 years in Terenure College (back then there was a 2nd class Junior School class.)

Current Position & Company Background

Philip is the Country Manager for Island of Ireland with E&J Gallo Winery. Founded by brothers Ernest and Julio Gallo in 1933, California, E. & J. Gallo Winery remains the world’s largest family-owned winery and is the acclaimed producer of award-winning wines and spirits featured in more than 110 countries around the globe.

A pioneer in the art of grape growing, winemaking, a leader & pioneer in best Californian viniculture sustainability practices, marketing and worldwide distribution. Gallo crafts and imports wines and spirits to suit a diverse range of tastes and occasions, from everyday offerings to boutique, luxury bottlings.

Tell us about your business …

I have 35 years’ experience in the Irish Wines & Spirits industry with BWG Foods, Irish Distillers, Danone and now E&J Gallo. There have been many changes in both Consumer preferences and the composition of the Irish Drinks Industry and its changing routes to market. Over these 35 years I’ve has worked in Sales, Marketing, Business Integration, Supply Chain & Finance.

I’ve led E&J Gallo in Ireland for the last 10 years to become the Category leader in the USA Wine Category, growing this to 5% of the total wine market in Ireland.

Favourite Terenure College memory?

Living in Terenure I grew up in the shadows of Terenure College and have many fond memories of the College. I was involved in the Cubs, Scouts & Ventures eventually becoming a Scout leader where I learnt to canoe on the lake (it was clean then!), go on wonderful camps and Jamboree’s around Europe. A time before Wi-Fi & mobile phones I was also involved in the Radio Club & the Photography Club.

Its hard to think of a favourite memory when there are so many, movies in the lecture hall, bonfires after Cup Victories.

Have you found the Terenure College community was a benefit to you in your career?

I always try to explain to my colleagues outside of Ireland how in Ireland generally you are only ever two points away in separation from most people. Everyone knows everyone especially in the Irish Drinks industry and Terenure College probably has more than its fair share of past pupils involved in various contact points from an Industry perspective. I have found the community spirit nurtured in us all by the Carmelites is as strong 35 years after graduation as it is in the current groups of students in the College. 

If you were Minister for Finance for a day what change would you make?

I would put the Youth & Young adults at the centre of every decision I make. Resource Education so our young can lead and transform our world. Ensure everyone could own their home if they wish, most importantly lead by example with humility, respect and integrity.

If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?

The most important pieces of advice I can give is to firstly do something you love doing that way it is a joy and something to look forward to. Secondly treat everyone as you would like to be treated the world of business has an uncanny way of coming back around on you.

How can people best access you and your business?

I am happy to give help where I can and am available on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram or through the Past Pupils Union.