Chapel Down Group Plc announced that Martin Glenn, Chair of the Board since 2020, has informed the Board of his intention to step down as Chair and Director, with his resignation to take effect in September 2025 following an orderly handover. Martin oversaw a major restructuring and refocusing of Chapel Down from a multi-category drinks company whose portfolio included craft beer, spirits, and significant still wine sales into a premium branded company primarily focused on sparkling wine. Additionally, the introduction of more advanced financial systems and internal processes enabled Chapel Down to move onto AIM in December 2023, creating a solid platform for further growth.
The Board intends to appoint Michael Spencer as the new Chair. Michael is the founder of ICAP (subsequently renamed as NEX Group and sold to CME), where he delivered over 5,000% total shareholder return, and has served as Chairman of Bordeaux Index since 2011. Through his investment vehicle IPGL, he is Chapel Down's largest shareholder, holding 27.3% of the Company's issued share capital.
He has served as a Non-Executive Director since 2023 and was awarded a peerage in 2020. Furthermore, Simon Litherland will join the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director in August. He was CEO of Britvic plc from 2013 to 2025, leading the company through a period of growth culminating in its recent acquisition by the Carlsberg Group.
Simon previously held senior leadership roles at Diageo across Great Britain, South Africa, Ireland, and Central and Eastern Europe.
