Chapel Down has appointed a new chief executive, poaching The Lakes Distillery CEO James Pennefather to lead the company.

Due to start in February 2025, Pennefather’s appointment comes as a replacement for former CEO Andrew Carter, who resigned in September this year for a new role as CEO of brewery Timothy Taylor.

Pennefather’s appointment follows 25 years of experience in the premium drinks industry, including his most recent role as Lakes Distillery CEO, where he led its acquisition to The Nyetimber Group earlier this year.

Previous roles also include senior leadership at William Grant & Sons and Diageo across the UK, Middle East, Africa and India.

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning

Chapel Down chairman Martin Glenn said: “”We are delighted to have appointed James, who is an outstanding business leader with deep experience in building premium drinks brands within emerging categories, developing strong customer relationships in the UK and globally and enhancing shareholder value.

“Chapel Down has made excellent progress as a business and a brand, and James is well placed to continue Chapel Down’s development and growth.”

Pennefather added: “I am excited to be joining Chapel Down at such an important time in the Company’s growth story. Chapel Down is the leading English winemaker and I look forward to leading the business as it pursues the next stage of transformational growth for customers and shareholders.

“Andrew leaves a strong legacy and I will be working closely with him and the Chapel Down management team to ensure a seamless transition.”

The news comes as the UK’s biggest wine maker’s board revealed it had also accepted the resignation of its chief finance director Robert Smith, who will step down from the role in April, only two years after he joined the business in March 2022. It is understood recruitment for his successor will commerce in the near future.

Chapel Down’s new leadership reshuffle follows it earlier this year revealing it was abandoning its sale and lowering its sales outlook after being hit with harvest woes, news that sent its share price plummeting.