Hatch Mansfield boosts top team as McGrath becomes chairman

Hatch Mansfield has announced changes to its top team as long-standing managing director Patrick McGrath MW moves to the new role of chairman as part of its long-term succession planning.  

Sales director Ben Knollys, who joined the company in 2002, will step into the role of managing director, overseeing the day-to-day running of the business with all departmental directors reporting directly to him. He will report to McGrath, who remains at the helm in his new position, and will continue as a primary contact for the business’s suppliers as well as continuing to manage his own customers.

McGrath, who was one of the founding shareholders of the business, said Knollys fully understood the complexities of the UK wine trade, and had an in-depth understanding of how the business works, having played a key role in its success.

“This is an exciting and carefully considered new chapter for Hatch Mansfield. It will further strengthen our position as we grow and develop,’ he said, adding that succession planning was “hugely important” in a business but was often overlooked.

“The senior management team has always been mindful about the long-term development of Hatch, constantly looking ahead to ensure sustainable business growth and stability,” he said.

“[Succession planning]… is crucial in any company’s evolution and I am blessed with a team who share this view and have worked together to ensure continuity and evolution for the future.”

Knollys started his career at Berkmann, Lea & Sandeman and Fullers before joining Hatch Mansfield as a regional sales manager. In his 19 years with the company, he has worked in a number of sales roles, and been involved in various cross functional projects, including recruiting and embedding some of the latest producers: Gaja, Zuccardi and M.Chapoutier, into the business.  He was appointed sales director in 2012, and joined the Hatch Mansfield board in 2017.

Knollys said he was thrilled to be passed the baton from Patrick and looked forward to his continued guidance.

“We have an exceptionally strong, hard-working team in place in all parts of the business and I am deeply proud to work with them to enable delivery of an excellent level of service to our valued customers and to our first-rate suppliers who ensure we have a portfolio of phenomenal wines to keep growing in the UK,” he said.

The business started with a team of five representing Louis Jadot, Errazuriz and Villa Maria, and has grown to a team of nearly 60 working with 17 premium wine brands.