Steve Finlan, CEO of The Wine Society, has joined the board of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA). 

According to the WSTA, Finlan joins the executive board at a challenging time for the alcohol sector, with excise duty, packaging taxes and business costs all at record highs. 

The association said Finlan’s experience of leading businesses through change will prove invaluable as the trade seeks to overcome these challenges. 

It added that his varied career, which has included senior roles at Marks & Spencer, Gap and Clarks, will bring a wealth of knowledge to the board. 

The same is true of his work at The Wine Society, where he has served as CEO since 2019, modernising the business while preserving the organisation’s heritage and values. 

Miles Beale, CEO of the WSTA, said: “We have benefited hugely from Steve’s active participation and wise counsel as a WSTA member over the last few years. It is now a pleasure to have his experience, commitment and cool head of business at the WSTA board table. 

“As we continue to navigate the slings and arrows our sector has been facing on a daily basis, we also need to focus finding reasons to be cheerful. Steve’s retail knowledge and experience modernising one the UK’s best known wine businesses will be invaluable. 

Finlan added: “I have worked closely with Miles and WSTA team since joining The Wine Society and have been impressed with their dedication and work ethic when it comes to serving their membership. I truly believe that we can make a difference and get results if, under our trade associations, the wider alcohol industry can unite as one voice. 

“I look forward to helping direct and support the next phase of the WSTA’s work in a way that will benefit our broad church of membership.”