The Drinks Trust appoints five new trustees
The Drinks Trust has added five senior industry figures to its board of trustees, broadening its expertise across retail, hospitality and distribution as the charity expands its support for the drinks trade.
The Drinks Trust has appointed five new trustees: Ryan Cavilla, Finance Director at Mentzendorff; Martin Dibben, Head of Champagne at Searcy’s; Hayley Easton, Head of Spirits at Tesco; Georgina Haughton, Head of Wine Buying at Sainsbury’s; and Susan Martindale, Group HR Director at Mitchells & Butlers.
The charity said the group brings “invaluable experience and sector knowledge” as it works to strengthen welfare resources and professional development opportunities for people across the drinks industry. Their backgrounds span retail, hospitality and distribution, offering what the Trust describes as a “diverse and multi-faceted representation” of the sector.
Cavilla said he is “pleased and excited” to join the board and support the team delivering the charity’s pillars of “assist, restore and develop”, which he said are “vital to help care and support all those who work in the drinks industry”.
Dibben added: “I am delighted to become a Trustee of The Drinks Trust as their work is so important to our industry in the form of support when needed and development for those entering, and already in our sector.”
Partner Content
Easton commented: “I’m honoured to join the Board of Trustees at The Drinks Trust, a charity whose commitment to supporting the drinks and hospitality community is both vital and inspiring. As the industry faces evolving challenges, I’m proud to contribute to a charity that champions well-being, education, and inclusivity, and I’m committed to helping shape a future where every member of our industry feels supported.”
Haughton said she is “thrilled to join a talented Board of Trustees and Drinks Trust team”, adding: “The Drinks Trust has been supporting our industry for 140 years and we want it to continue for another 140+ years. It’s more important than ever that we rally together to support those working in our industry and I’m looking forward to contributing towards that.”
Martindale said: “I am delighted to join the Board of Trustees for the Drinks Trust and to work with such a worthy charity that makes a difference to so many people.”
Thanks to outgoing trustees
The Drinks Trust also paid tribute to outgoing trustees Simon Difford, Paul Haslam, Guy Lawrence and Andy Smith, who have completed their tenure. The charity credited their “dedication, energy, and passion” in advancing its work in recent years.
Neil Barker, chair of the board of trustees, said: “As we continue to work to put The Drinks Trust at the heart of our industry, I am immensely grateful for the work our brilliant board of Trustees do on top of their ‘day jobs’. As we thank Guy, Simon, Paul and Andy for their service on the board, I am delighted to welcome such a strong group of new Trustees representing every part of our great industry – I look forward to working with them to further accelerate the vital work the charity does for those in our industry who need our help.”
Related news
Jancis Robinson to host fine wine masterclass at BBR in aid of The Drinks Trust
Canned Wine Group and Ocado team up to support The Drinks Trust
