The Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has elected Caroline Thompson-Hill as the next chair of its executive board.
Thompson-Hill (below), who currently is head of beers, wines and spirits at UK retailer Marks & Spencer, takes over from Edrington’s UK MD Mark Riley as chair. The move sees her become the first representative from a multiple retailer to lead the board of the UK-based trade association.
Her appointment follows two decades in the drinks industry, including three years at Diageo, five at Treasury Wine Estates and four at Accolade Wines, before joining M&S last year.
“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,” said WSTA CEO Miles Beale. “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.”
In September, US trade association the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America named Cutter Smith as its next chair.
