Rita Greenwood (pictured), managing director of UK & Ireland has been promoted to the role of managing director of Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA).The move means Neil Barker, current UK commercial director, assumes the role of MD of UK & Ireland, reporting to Greenwood.
Greenwood will join the WG&S executive board and will also remain on the board of William Grant & Sons France and William Grant & Sons UK.
Chris Mason will move to a new role within William Grant & Sons corporate affairs. Mason maintains his strong relationship with the UK market, as he continues to chair the William Grant & Sons UK board.
These announcements come as a result of changes to the global commercial structure at WG&S, which now consists of three regional roles: a newly created EMEA region, the Americas, and Asia.
WG&S CEO, Simon Hunt, said: “The new WG&S global commercial structure consolidates team responsibilities across markets, provides strong platforms for our common ways of working, and ensures that we are growing our own leadership capabilities internally. Rita brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise, gained working in senior positions across WG&S and will be an excellent addition to our executive board.”
Greenwood said: “The UK will continue to be a priority market for me, playing a critical role within the new EMEA region. Neil shares my passion for the UK business, and I am confident that this appointment will ensure both continuity of strategy and strong leadership within the UK team.”
Barker joined the UK business in February 2017 as UK commercial director having held senior roles in Nomad Foods & Treasury Wine Estates. He and Greenwood will begin three months of transition as the company begins the process to recruit for a new UK commercial director.
