WineGB has announced the appointment of a new Head of Partnerships position, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to building a strong team to support its member and partner growth ambitions.
The appointment forms part of WineGB’s ongoing investment in organisational development, ensuring there is the structure, insight and commercial foundation needed as the sector continues to grow.
Neil Walker joins with a breadth of transformational leadership and client management experience, having spent a number of years leading teams at Natwest, and will be focused on unlocking commercial opportunities to benefit its members, whilst delivering partner propositions that drive value and impact.
Nicola Bates, WineGB CEO said: “Neil joins a team dedicated to supporting the rapid growth and maturity of the UK wine sector. With Neil deepening and expanding our sponsors and members we will be better able to deliver greater value to our members.”
Neil is also the founder and CEO of The English Vine – an online marketplace for English wine and a passion for making them more accessible and studied Viticulture and Oenology at Plumpton College. This is in addition to making his own wine, Red Beard.
The English wine sector is experiencing rapid growth, with over 1,150 vineyards and 240 wineries producing 16.5 million bottles in 2025, a 39% increase from 2024. Coming up from WineGB this year: 29th May-7th June Welsh Wine Week / 20th-28th June English Wine Week / 16th July WineGB AGM, Conference and Awards Ceremony, 7th September WineGB National Trade and Press Tasting.
As featured in Harpers, Drinks Business, and Drinks Retailing News
-ENDS-
WineGB is the trade association for UK wine. We cultivate success for our 500 grower and producer members which represents circa 70% of UK hectarage. We represent the industry to the Government, media, and trade. We provide our members with timely, accurate resources, to help their businesses grow, from guidance and toolkits, to training and marketing access. At the heart of our work, we help members to make and market wine.
For press enquiries please contact: Kirsty Rushby kirsty@winegb.co.uk