Source: Chapel Down

McGowan worked at Treasury Wine Estates for almost eight years

Chapel Down Group has hired former Treasury Wine Estates retail controller Martin McGowan as sales director.

McGowan worked at the Blossom Hill owner for almost eight years across a number of roles including national account controller for Tesco and senior business manager for impulse. 

“The breadth of Martin’s sales knowledge and relationships with key retailers and trade partners, combined with our passion for making distinctive English wine, premium spirits and contemporary beers and ciders, means an exciting new chapter in store for Chapel Down Group,” said Chapel Down CEO Frazer Thompson.

McGowan said he was “delighted to be joining the talented and passionate team at Chapel Down Group”.

“With the opening of the stunning Curious Brewery in Ashford, the iconic Gin Works in London and as we continue to lead the charge in English wine, I absolutely believe we are England’s most exciting drinks company. But, most importantly we make delicious drinks of balance and style, each with a unique winemakers twist.”

It comes on the back of a strong year for the English wine pioneer: for the year ending 31 December 2018, its sales were up 11% to £8.98m.

It has since launched its first sparkling wine made with the bacchus grape – which it has called “England’s answer to sauvignon blanc”.