Former Bibendum commercial director Mark Riley has joined Kingsland Drinks.
Riley, a 25-year veteran of the drinks industry, has taken on the role of commercial director at the Manchester-based business.
He would take responsibility for “the complete commercial operation of Kingsland Drinks group including sales, marketing, and liquid buying”, said Kingsland, joining “a senior team dedicated to developing the company in line with its purpose: to build a better drinks industry and society”.
He will take over from outgoing commercial director Jon Eagle, who is retiring, and will also take on liquid buying director Karen Wilson’s responsibilities, as she moves into a board advisory role.
However, Eagle and Wilson will remain in post for a “transfer of knowledge and responsibilities” for some months.
Riley “brings true pedigree in the marketing of products and the leadership of high-performing sales teams to the company, at a time when we’re focused on building our capabilities and realising the potential of our investment pipeline”, said Kingsland MD Ed Baker.
Eagle, “while taking well-earned retirement this year, is lending the benefit of his expertise to us for some time yet, as he kindly supports senior transitions across the business,” added Baker. “We appreciate Jon’s experience and input at this time, and he’ll be truly missed when he leaves the company.”
Riley is the latest in a string of hires by the drinks company. Andy Henderson, formerly of Ineos Hygienics, joined as operations director in August.
Prior to that, in July, former John West Foods head of supply chain Jason Wallace joined as Kingsland’s head of supply chain.
It comes as Kingsland has spent past years significantly boosting its manufacturing capabilities with major investments into bag-in-box wine production, and, more recently, the opening of a new distilling facility in partnership with Manchester spirits businesss Manchester Still.
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