The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has announced three new members to its executive board: two from SME wine businesses and one from a distributor. 

Lee James, managing director for the UK, Ireland and Nordic markets at Rémy Cointreau, joins the board. His role sees him oversee a portfolio of brands including Rémy Martin Cognac, Louis XIII Cognac, Cointreau, Mount Gay Rum, Bruichladdich, The Botanist Gin and Champagne Telmont. 

Joining him is Kim Wilson, founder and managing director of North South Wines, a company that has seen consistent year-on-year growth since its launch in 2014. 

The third new board member is Hal Wilson, managing director and owner of Cambridge Wine Merchants, who has led the business for 32 years. Under his leadership, the company has expanded into specialist retail, wholesale, fine wine, WSET education, private client, franchise, online and hybrid wine bar/shop channels. 

Mark Riley, chair or the WSTA board, said: “We are delighted to welcome three new WSTA board members, who add a fantastic blend of expertise garnered from their formidable careers in the wine and spirit sector.” 

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said:  “Our aim is to give a voice to every wine and spirit business, no matter how big or small. We are delighted to add to our top table Hal, aka the ‘King of the indies’, Kim, founder and MD of an award-winning, growing mid-sized distributor, along with such a seasoned drinks trade expert, in Lee, who works for one of the big global luxury spirits companies.”