Rob Harrison takes up this newly created role, bringing extensive and relevant experience to the position, with a career that spans Majestic, Scottish & Newcastle, Grand Chais de France Group, PLB and Accolade Wines to date.
Rob was Sales Director Retail at Accolade from 2013 to 2015 before becoming General Manager, leading the Accolade UK and Ireland business from 2015 to 2017. Having run his own wine consultancy business from 2017, for the past three years Rob made a move outside of wine as Commercial Director of Berry Gardens, which has a 30% UK market share of the soft fruit category.
“I am delighted to be joining a business I have been aware of for many years and admired from the outside looking in,” comments Harrison. “The people, culture and producers are second to none and I am looking forward to playing a part and contributing to the next chapter in the business’ growth. After a three-year project in the fresh produce industry, I am delighted to be coming back to my roots in wine and reconnecting with the trade.”
Rob will report to Managing Director, Ben Knollys, who oversees the day to day running of the Hatch Mansfield business. This latest addition to Hatch Mansfield leadership team comes just over a year since Knollys took over as MD, at the same time that founding MD Patrick McGrath MW became CEO.
Ben comments, “Rob brings an abundance of relevant experience to this newly created role. It’s fantastic to welcome him back to the wine trade with the vital remit of leading our National Off Trade Team and I have every confidence that his contribution will be invaluable in further reinforcing our strong position across this all-important sector.”