Chapel Down has announced a significant change in its leadership with the appointment of James Pennefather as the new chief executive officer starting February 2025. This appointment comes in the wake of Andrew Carter’s resignation in September, who is transitioning to the CEO role at Timothy Taylor.
James Pennefather brings with him 25 years of experience in the premium drinks industry, having most recently served as CEO of Lakes Distillery. During his time there, he successfully led its acquisition by The Nyetimber Group. His impressive career also includes key leadership positions at William Grant & Sons and Diageo, spanning across regions like the UK, Middle East, Africa, and India.
Chapel Down Chairman Martin Glenn expressed confidence in Pennefather’s capabilities, citing his profound experience in developing premium drinks brands and fostering strong customer relationships both within the UK and globally. Glenn believes that Pennefather is well-equipped to continue and enhance the growth trajectory of Chapel Down, a leading English winemaker.
Pennefather himself expressed enthusiasm about joining Chapel Down at a pivotal moment in its growth journey. He acknowledged the strong foundation left by his predecessor, Andrew Carter, and expressed eagerness to build on this legacy by working closely with Carter and the existing management team to ensure a smooth transition.
In a parallel development, Chapel Down’s chief finance director, Robert Smith, has tendered his resignation, effective April. Smith joined the company in March 2022, and the search for his successor will commence soon. This reshuffle in the leadership coincides with Chapel Down’s recent decision to withdraw from its sale plans and adjust its sales outlook, following setbacks due to harvest challenges, which have impacted its stock market performance.
The leadership changes at Chapel Down illustrate a strategic move to bolster the company’s future amid recent challenges. With the appointment of James Pennefather, the company aims to navigate the complexities of the premium drinks market while addressing internal and external challenges.
