WineGB strengthens its Board with new members in Charlie Holland, Michael Kennedy and Gary Smith, and appoints Nick Wenman as Interim Chair and Ruth Simpson as Interim Deputy Chair.
Nick takes over from Sam Linter on 20th August 2025 at the end of her term as Chair which ran for four years between 2021 – 2025. During her time as the first female Chair, she pursued a more inclusive membership and drove forward greater diversity for the whole sector. Sam has seen a radical step up in membership, strategic focus and delivery for members. This includes the first three-year strategy – ‘Cultivating Success’ which at heart supports members to make and market wine. Notable results include the launch of the sector wide education National Competency Framework working with Plumpton College where she is the Director of Wine; a free for all Safeguarding Toolkit to help the sector to better protect its people; and the hire of Nicola Bates as CEO who is supporting the sector by addressing challenges around production, marketing and reputation.
Nick Wenman, Founder and Owner Albury Organic Vineyard, becomes Interim Chair having been the Deputy Chair between 2020 and 2025. He is replaced by long-term Board member Ruth Simpson, Co-Founder of Simpsons Wine Estate, as Deputy Chair. Nick is due to retire from the Board in May 2026 and is focused on ensuring that the new Directors are onboarded while he provides continuity. The aim is to identify a long-term replacement and provide them with the appropriate and necessary support to take over the leading role in UK wines.
Joining as Directors are:
- Band A Director – Charlie Holland, Jackson Family Wines
- Band B Director – Michael Kennedy, CEO Roebuck Estates
- Director – Gary Smith, CEO MDCV
Nick Wenman, WineGB Chair says “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. As highlighted in our recent Industry Report the sector is responding well to economic pressures, with growing sales as well as increased production. 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.”
Sam Linter, Former WineGB Chair says “It has been a huge privilege to be leading WineGB during this pivotal time. When market conditions are tough it means that a membership body has to step up and deliver. Over the past four years WineGB has transformed, and I will be willing the Board and team on as they build on our work.”
