Caroline Thompson-Hill is the first person to take up the role as chair of the WSTA Executive Board from a multiple retailer.
She takes the helm from Mark Riley, the MD of Edrington UK - the alcoholic beverage wholesaler - who completed two terms in the role.
Riley has a wealth of experience in the sector, with two decades of working with some of the UK’s biggest alcohol companies.
Her career has included stints at Diageo and Treasury Wine Estates, across the Europe and Americas regions, before taking over as managing director for Accolade Wines in Europe.
Last year she took up her current role at Marks & Spencer where she is responsible for its award-winning alcohol range.
WSTA said she brings a range of leadership, innovation and commercial skills at a time when greater collaboration across drinks and the wider retail and hospitality sectors will be needed to press the case with government on policy ranging from alcohol duty to environmental issues, to health and social care.
Riley also holds an executive MBA from Bayes Business School in London, graduating with distinction.
At her first board meeting as chair last week, she pledged to build on recent work to respond to the continued 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. 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,” she said
“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.”
As part of her role she will champion the WSTA recruitment drive to ensure it has the most diverse membership and to provide a strong, united voice.
Chief executive of the WSTA, Miles Beale, said: “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. 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.”
