Caroline Thompson-Hill has been appointed Accolade Wine’s new regional managing director for Europe as the company outlines its new business focuses.

Europe is Accolade Wine’s largest market, and Ms Thompson-Hill will be responsible for driving significant growth opportunities across the brand portfolio, including Echo Falls and Hardys.

With over 17 years’ experience within the drinks sector, including previous roles at Treasury Wine Estates and Diageo, Ms Thompson-Hill joined Accolade Wines in 2019 as European marketing director and has been the acting managing director for the UK & Ireland since April.

As part of Accolade Wine’s plans to be the partner of choice for key customers, Martin McGowan has also been appointed as sales director for the UK & Ireland.

Mr McGowan joins with a wealth of sales leadership experience, most recently holding the position of global sales director for Chapel Down, with previous roles at Treasury Wine Estates Europe, Lindt, Maxxium and Beam Global.

Speaking about her new role, Caroline Thompson-Hill said: “I’m honoured to lead the European side of Accolade Wines, in what is a very exciting time for the business. Our purpose is to enrich everyday moments in people’s lives through our amazing wine brands, and our customer and consumer centric approach will help us achieve this.

“I’m delighted to welcome Martin to the team, who will be responsible for all sales channels in UK & Ireland, driving our customer execution and growth agenda in Accolade Wines largest region.”

Robert Foye, chief executive officer of Accolade Wines, adds: “I am absolutely ecstatic to announce that Caroline Thompson-Hill is our new Managing Director for Europe. She has the leadership, innovation, commercial and customer skills, and experience to lead our business going forward in its new phase of growth.”