Kingsland Drinks strengthens leadership team with new role of operations director

Kingsland Drinks has strengthened its senior leadership team, announcing the appointment of Andy Henderson as operations director.

In the new role created following the firm’s move to employee-owned status and building on continued investment in infrastructure and capabilities, Henderson will take on the responsibility for Kingsland Drinks’ factory operations, technical and supply chain functions.

Henderson previously served senior operations and supply chain roles across a range of companies, including start up INEOS Hygienics, branded businesses such as Coca-Cola European Partners, HJ Heinz, Diageo and a range of SME’s.

Kingsland Drinks said he will play a pivotal role in building on the business’s reputation as a trusted, strong, and stable player in the UK drinks trade offering a full end-to-end category service.

“Our business has transformed in recent years to one that supports all aspects of the wine, spirits and low/no sector. Combined with our newly established status as employee owned, this role will ensure the best co-ordinated service delivery to our customers,” Ed Baker, managing director of Kingsland Drinks said.

“We welcome Andy warmly into the Kingsland family and know his combination of start-up and big firm operations experience will play a crucial part in our journey to the next level.”

Planned as part of its move to an employee-owned business model, shareholders Michael Forde and Mark Dixon will ensure a detailed transfer of responsibilities before transitioning into advisory roles to the business.

Henderson’s appointment follows the creation of an Employee Ownership Trust Board in 2021 comprising Ian Hiscock as Independent Chairman, John Lumb and Charlie Goodwin as Employee trustees and Andy Sagar and Karen Wilson as shareholder trustees.

Last month, Kingsland Drinks announced a long-term-partnership with Manchester Still and investment in a craft spirit facility on its site in Irlam, Greater Manchester. The facility will provide Kingsland Drinks and its sister company Ten Locks with the ability to produce artisan spirits and marks a new development in the firm’s capabilities as a full-service drinks company.