WineGB today announces that Nicola Bates will be stepping down as Chief Executive Officer.
Charlie Holland, WineGB Chair, said: “During her tenure, Nicola worked with stakeholders across the English and Welsh wine industry to help drive change for all our members, producers and the industry, and on behalf of WineGB and the Board, we thank her for her contributions and the considerable impact she has made.”
Nicola says. “Three years ago, I joined WineGB and kicked off a full consultation process with the membership to understand just what the sector needed. This was distilled in our Cultivating Success strategy, and its subsequent delivery has seen improvements in our offer and organisational resilience. I’m proud of what has been achieved.
“This sector has a remarkable strength of collaboration and support for one another, and it’s a real community. I take this as a moment to thank the Board and the many members who are part of the association and volunteer to strengthen WineGB and the sector. It will ensure the future successes of UK wines.”
The WineGB leadership team remains in place, which is formed of Head of Marketing Communications Kirsty Rushby, Head of Partnerships Neil Walker and Knowledge Manager and Company Secretary Gillian Jordan, who will be working closely alongside the Board to ensure that the organisation’s day-to-day activities and key priorities continue.
WineGB remains focused on delivering its existing strategy, including progressing its export programme, opening up new trade and sales opportunities for English and Welsh wines and vineyards, and helping members achieve sustainable growth and long-term development. These priorities will continue throughout the leadership transition.
Further information on longer-term leadership arrangements will be provided when appropriate.
-ENDS-
About WineGB
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, market and tell the story of UK wine. For the latest industry stats see the WineGB Industry Report