Hotel Chocolat has appointed Kind general manager Carrie Martin as its new UK boss as CEO Lysa Hardy steps down.
Martin will take up the role of UK general manager at the specialist confectionery retailer on 6 October, reporting directly to president Angus Thirlwell, Retail Week reported.
She joins the business from Mars-owned healthy snack firm Kind, where she was GM for Europe, Middle East and Australia for the past four years.
A Mars veteran, Martin previously held a number of roles at the fmcg giant, working her way from sales manager in 2000 to her current position.
She will take over from current CEO Lysa Hardy, who is stepping down after seven years at the company and just seven months in the role.
Announcing her departure on LinkedIn, Hardy said: “After seven fabulous years, it’s time for a new chapter. Today I step away from my role at Hotel Chocolat with enormous pride and gratitude.
“From CMO to CEO, I’ve had the privilege of working with an exceptional team to turn ideas into action – Velvetising the world by creating a premium drinking chocolate category, navigating the pandemic, elevating retail experience, piloting new formats, and welcoming more customers than ever to the brand.”
She added: ”I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, but even more of how we did it: with heart, ambition and kindness. I’ve always believed a brand is built from the inside out, and Hotel Chocolat is proof of that – the best of people, united in their passion for great chocolate. I can’t wait to cheer them on as the brand continues to thrive.”
Hardy first joined Hotel Chocolat in 2018 and played a key role in the creation of its Velvetiser hot chocolate category, which includes its Velvetiser machine and subscription service. The offer has become a key focus for the business over recent years.
She became CEO in September 2024, marking the first major change to the retailer’s top ranks following Mars’ £534m takeover in November 2023.
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