WineGB, the national association for the English and Welsh wine industry, has named Nick Wenman as its new interim chair and promoted Ruth Simpson to interim deputy chair.

Additionally, further leadership changes were made, with new board member appointments, including Charlie Holland, Michael Kennedy and Gary Smith.

Wenman brings experience as the founder and owner of Albury Organic Vineyard, in Surrey, and previously served as deputy chair between 2020 and 2025.

He will serve as interim chair until May 2026 and will assist with the onboarding of the new board members.

The organisation is actively seeking a permanent replacement for the chair of WineGB.

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

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

Wenman said: “Having worked closely with Sam for over four years, I’m honoured to take on the role of Interim Chair at WineGB.

“Our industry has been going through significant change and faces some challenges in the current economic climate, but I’m pleased that we have worked successfully in building a strong foundation for our future growth as well as continuing to reflect the needs of our members.”

He added: “Over the next nine months, my focus will be on strengthening WineGB’s platform for long-term success, as well as ensuring that we deliver the highest level of support we can for our members.”

Meanwhile, UK wine retailers have been posting strong financial results recently, with Chapel Down seeing its sales surge and Naked Wines narrowing its losses.