Simon Thorpe MW steps down as WineGB CEO

Simon Thorpe MW is to step down as CEO of British trade body WineGB at the end of May after three years on the job.

Thorpe, who passed his Master of Wine exams in 1997, will be returning to his roots as an importer and distributor.

The current WineGB chief executive joined the organisation in 2020, and will remain at the helm until 31 May.

Thorpe released a statement this morning saying: “I am lucky enough to have been the CEO of WineGB through such an exciting and dynamic time in UK wine and am confident I leave a team and organisation that can deliver on our three-pillar strategy of Industry Leadership, Growth, and Member Support.”

WineGB now represents over 80% of the more than 4,000 hectares of UK vineyards and producers with strong growth projections, the organisation has said.

Thorpe noted that both the industry and WineGB are in “great shape”, during what he deemed “a truly exciting time for viticulture and winemaking in this country”.

“The future is bright and I will be cheering its progress from the sidelines,” he added.

Sam Linter, chair of WineGB, thanked Thorpe for his work at WineGB, before turning her attention to the goals which remain a key focus for the organisation. Linter pointed to the “imminent revision” of the UK’s PDO/PGI schemes, a focus on increasing membership and growing both the domestic and export markets for British wine.

Thorpe’s last day at the organisation is set for 31 May. WineGB told the drinks business this morning that the organisation is in the process of finding a replacement, but remains confident in the strength of the WineGB board.