WineGB Announces Changes in the CEO Leadership

WineGB has recently unveiled its new CEO, set to assume the position on October 30, 2023. This follows the earlier announcement this year that the former chief executive, Simon Thorpe MW, had resigned from the organization.

Nicola Bates is set to become WineGB’s inaugural female CEO and will be joining a group of women in prominent roles within the association, with Sam Linter continuing as the chairperson.

Prior to her new role, Bates held the position of director of strategy and external affairs at the Portman Group, a regulatory and social responsibility body overseeing alcohol labeling, packaging, and promotion in the UK. She has completed a five-year tenure at the Portman Group. David Saer, the current head of policy and public affairs at the alcohol regulator, is set to succeed Bates as the group’s director of external affairs in October 2023.

Linter expressed her enthusiasm for the new appointment, stating, “I am delighted to appoint Nicola as the new CEO of WineGB. The WineGB Board was looking for a specific set of skills and experience that are required to deliver success for the organization and industry as we enter a new phase of maturity. During an extensive recruitment process, Nicola demonstrated the experience and diverse skillset required to run a growing trade association with a rapidly increasing external focus. We look forward to introducing Nicola into the UK wine industry and have an intensive immersion planned to provide a strong grounding in the strategic imperatives and intricacies of our industry and organization.”

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