WineGB appoints Kirsty Rushby to amplify English and Welsh wine’s market profile
WineGB has appointed Kirsty Rushby as Head of Communications & Marketing to bolster its public profile amid rapid growth in the English and Welsh wine sectors, signalling a strategic shift towards market development and professionalisation.
WineGB has strengthened its senior team with the appointment of Kirsty Rushby as Head of Communications & Marketing, a hire intended to sharpen the body’s public profile as English and Welsh wine production expands. The organisation said Rushby will lead its efforts to present a unified narrative about the sector’s quality and innovation while coordinating activity across producers, regional groups and trade partners.
The position will put Rushby at the centre of WineGB’s marketing and communications strategy, overseeing media relations, content and public campaigns aimed at raising awareness nationally and beyond. According to WineGB’s recruitment materials, the post reports directly to the chief executive and manages a growing communications team; the vacancy was advertised as a full‑time, permanent role with a mix of remote work and fortnightly in‑person meetings.
The appointment attracted substantial interest from the sector, with more than 450 candidates applying to tell the story of what WineGB describes as one of the fastest‑growing quality wine categories. Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB, said: “This appointment marks an important step in WineGB’s evolution, as our industry continues to grow in scale, reputation and economic significance. Kirsty brings a wealth of experience in strategic communications and brand storytelling and has an enviable track record in food and drink communications from Co‑op, to bring to bear for members. Her expertise will be invaluable as we continue to build the profile and reputation of our industry – I have high hopes so watch this space!.”
Rushby’s hire forms part of a wider restructuring at WineGB that the organisation says is designed to sharpen its focus on market development and member support. The changes include newly created roles such as Interim Policy Director and Communications Manager and follow the departure of long‑serving Head of Marketing Julia Trustram Eve after three decades with the organisation. In related moves WineGB recently brought in Talya Roberson as Industry Relations Lead; Roberson is a former managing director with a decade of sector experience and founder of an English wine marketplace.
Commenting on her new role, Kirsty Rushby said: “The story of English and Welsh wine is one of passion, craft and rapid evolution, so I’m delighted to be joining at such an exciting time. WineGB plays such a vital role in supporting producers and representing the sector and I’m looking forward to helping bring that story to life in new and engaging ways.”
Industry observers say the appointments reflect both the momentum behind UK viticulture and the need for more professionalised communications as producers seek greater market traction at home and overseas. WineGB’s recent hiring drive and role redefinitions signal an organisation moving from advocacy towards a more coordinated commercial and promotional approach for English and Welsh wine.
