England’s biggest winemaker Chapel Down is preparing for a change in leadership after it has announced that chief executive Frazer Thompson will retire next month after 20 years at the helm.
Frazer Thompson, a former director of Whitbread and Heineken, became chief executive of Chapel Down in 2001 has successful developed the Kent-based company into England’s biggest wine business, really putting English wine on the map. Located outside of the Wealden town of Tenterden in Kent, Chapel Down is renowned for its sparkling wines, that can be tried in their on-site shop, restaurant or on their vineyard tours.
He will be replaced by Andrew Carter who is currently managing director at Chase Distillery based in Herefordshire, a vodka and gin producer set up by the owner of Tyrrells crisps. Known for his strong track record in building wines and spirits businesses, Andrew Carter will not doubt be able to further drive the company’s growth.
Thompson, who will remain a substantial shareholder and advisor at Chapel Down after his retirement.
The company announce in June the launch of a new crowdfunding campaign in a bid to raise nearly £7,000,000 to assist in the further growth of business, fuelled by the firm experiencing sales increase over a third in the last year, despite lockdowns due to Covid-19.