UK wine and spirits producer Kingsland Drinks Group is seeking a new leader following the departure of managing director Ed Baker.

Baker joined Kingsland Drinks in 2013 as its finance director, serving in that role until 2019, when he took on the position of managing director.

A successor for the managing director role at Kingsland Drinks – the highest leadership position at the company – has not been selected.

Kingsland Drinks has stated that, under Baker’s leadership, the company had an “increased” focus on spirits and low-and-no alcohol drinks, as well as increasing its capacity to package wine and spirit beverages such as carbonated bottling, bag in box and canning capabilities.

“What I’m most proud of is the heart of the company; our site in Irlam, Greater Manchester, is home to the most diverse and full-service offering in the drinks industry, with a ‘can do’ team that really is best in class,” Baker said.

“Although I am leaving the drinks industry for a new chapter in my career, I do so confident that investment in our team, business model and strategic direction in recent years has created a strong and competitive business.”

Kingsland said it is recruiting for the role and noted that the company has had a number of “high-profile” recruits in recent years. These include Andy Henderson as operations director, C&C Group's Mark Riley as commercial director and ex-Arla exec Simon Shelbourn as CFO.

Kingsland Drinks is a privately owned Manchester-based drinks producer and contract packer, bottler and distributor. The group also creates its own brands including Mix Up RTD cocktails, Pod Pea Vodka and Spanish wine brand Campaneo.

ChairmanAndy Sagar said: “While it’s sad to see such a well-respected figure exit the industry, I am confident we have a strong leadership team, and immense capability across the entire business. aligned with excellent relationships with all our stakeholders.

“Our offering is well developed, and we are prepared and ready for our next steps and an exciting future ahead for Kingsland.”

For the year ended 30 June 2023, Kingsland Drinks reported revenue of £323.1m ($413.4m), up from £299.1m year on year. The group posted an EBITDA of £3.8m, down from £5.1m the previous year.

For the full year, Kingsland Drinks reported a lose of £1.8, down from a profit of £263,000 in 2022.