Rob is a Director at Symington Family Estates – a leading premium Port and Portuguese wine producer. He is a member of the 5th generation of Symingtons to produce Port and wine in Portugal. His responsibilities span Communications, Sustainability, People & Culture, and Commercial Strategy. In 2019 Rob led the team that achieved B Corporation status for Symington, becoming the first wine company in Portugal to take this step and commit to the highest standards of ethical business practices, and social and environmental performance. The family are deeply concerned about the threat of climate change and – as members of International Wineries for Climate Action – are working on a comprehensive plan to reduce their carbon emissions, as well as conducting pioneering R&D to adapt to the impacts of climate change in the vineyard. In January 2020 they launched The Symington Impact Fund to provide financial support for organisations addressing social and environmental issues in the regions where they work. Before joining his family business, Rob worked in London for 10 years – starting his career in business consulting with Ernst & Young before co-founding and building Escape the City – a business that helps professionals make meaningful career changes in pursuit of work that matters to them and to the world.
