WineGB appoints new interim chair and board members
Nick Wenman takes over as interim chair while Ruth Simpson steps in as interim deputy chair, with three new directors joining the Board.
Leadership transition
Wenman, founder and owner of Albury Organic Vineyard, takes on the role of Interim Chair from 20 August, following the end of Sam Linter’s four-year term. Linter, who became the organisation’s first female Chair in 2021, has overseen a significant period of growth and development for the sector.
During her tenure, membership rose, and WineGB delivered its first three-year strategy, Cultivating Success, designed to support members in making and marketing wine. Key initiatives included the launch of a sector-wide education National Competency Framework in collaboration with Plumpton College, a safeguarding toolkit for all, and the appointment of Nicola Bates as CEO.
Reflecting on her time in office, Linter said: “It has been a huge privilege to be leading WineGB during this pivotal time. When market conditions are tough it means that a membership body has to step up and deliver. Over the past four years WineGB has transformed, and I will be willing the Board and team on as they build on our work.”
Continuity and succession
Wenman, who served as deputy chair between 2020 and 2025, will remain interim chair until his planned retirement from the Board in May 2026. He said: “Having worked closely with Sam for over four years, I’m honoured to take on the role of interim chair at WineGB. Our industry has been going through significant change, and faces some challenges in the current economic climate, but I’m pleased that we have worked successfully in building a strong foundation for our future growth as well as continuing to reflect the needs of our members.”
Partner Content
He continued: “As highlighted in our recent Industry Report the sector is responding well to economic pressures, with growing sales as well as increased production. Over the next nine months my focus will be on strengthening WineGB’s platform for long term success, as well as ensuring that we deliver the highest level of support we can for our members.”
Long-standing board member Ruth Simpson, co-founder of Simpsons Wine Estate, will step into the role of interim deputy chair.
New board members
Three new Directors have also joined the Board:
- Band A Director: Charlie Holland, Jackson Family Wines
- Band B Director: Michael Kennedy, CEO, Roebuck Estates
- Director: Gary Smith, CEO, MDCV
Holland, a winemaker with more than 25 years’ international experience, now leads Jackson Family Wines’ new English wine business. Kennedy, who joined Roebuck Estates in 2022, brings two decades in premium spirits and international market development. Smith, CEO of MDCV UK since 2019, has overseen the company’s growth into England’s largest sparkling wine producer, targeting a capacity of 4–5 million bottles by 2030 with sustainability at its core.
Related news
‘Business as usual’ for Ridgeview as English sparkling wine producer enters administration
Language is the first step to making the drinks trade more inclusive
Golden 50 list celebrates UK’s top wines as English wine sector gathers pace
