WSTA names M&S BWS chief Caroline Thompson-Hill as new Chair
Caroline Thompson-Hill, head of beers, wines and spirits at Marks & Spencer, has been appointed chair of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association Board. She is the first person from a multiple retailer to take on the role.
Retail leader steps into the hot seat
Thompson-Hill brings two decades of drinks industry experience, having held senior posts at Diageo and Treasury Wine Estates across Europe and the Americas. She later became Managing Director for Accolade Wines in Europe before joining M&S last year to oversee its award-winning alcohol range.
An executive MBA graduate from Bayes Business School, where she achieved distinction, she adds leadership, innovation and commercial clout at a time when closer collaboration between the drinks, retail and hospitality sectors is needed to influence government policy on issues ranging from alcohol duty to environmental regulation to health and social care.
She succeeds Mark Riley of Edrington UK, who steps down after two terms as Chair.
Priorities for the year ahead
At her first board meeting last week, Thompson-Hill committed to continuing work to navigate what she described as a “changing and challenging commercial and political landscape”.
“It is a privilege to be appointed chair of the WSTA Board and I look forward to working with the team to deliver the best service possible to our members,” she said.
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“I am eager to get to grips with the WSTA’s many workstreams to ensure that we prioritise effectively as we enter into a new year.
“I hope to continue to work with a board of committed and experienced leaders to bring fresh ideas and to support the WSTA’s team to help create a better trading environment for our industry.”
She will also maintain the WSTA’s push to broaden its membership and strengthen the organisation’s collective voice.
“A huge asset to the WSTA”
WSTA chief executive Miles Beale welcomed the appointment. “We warmly welcome Caroline to the chair, and feel lucky to have an informed, experienced and pragmatic drinks industry expert in the role at a vital time,” he said.
“She has a passion for the wine and spirit sector, and I know that her thoughtful approach to leadership will be a huge asset to the WSTA and its members.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mark Riley for being such a collegiate and effective chair, and for his constructive and practical approach to leading the board over three, challenging, years.”
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