Chapel Down signs LVMH talent

English wine producer Chapel Down has signalled a further step up in its ambitions by hiring senior expertise from luxury goods giant LVMH.

Mark Harvey

Mark Harvey, former business development director of LVMH, will join the Kent-based Chapel Down as managing director for wines on 14 September, reporting to CEO Frazer Thompson. He is expected to join the board of the group, which also produces beer and wine under its Curious brand, by the end of this year.

Announcing Harvey’s arrival, Thompson commented: “There are huge opportunities and challenges ahead in both English wine and beer and we need the very best talent at Chapel Down to ensure that we are able to better build our business and our brands.

“Mark brings a wealth of experience in luxury drinks development as well as the personality and intelligence to help us shape the future of the English wine industry. His appointment will enable us to make our wine and beer business as good as they can be.“

Meanwhile Harvey described himself as “thrilled” to be joining Chapel Down “at such as exciting time for the English wine industry.” He added: “We have a winning combination of outstanding wines, a fantastic team and world class customers. I’m really looking forward to the challenges and enormous opportunities ahead.”

The appointment marks the latest step in a number of expansion moves by Chapel Down. Last year saw the company raise £3.95 million in a crowdfunding campaign before announcing plans to double production, aided by the addition of 400 acres of vineyard.