Premium spirits importer and distributer, Mangrove UK, has strengthened its sales and account management team with five new appointments across London, the South and the North of the UK. Beth Thornton, Chris Pollard and Steve Harman take sales and account manager roles in London and the south, whilst Emma Heron-Smith and Jack Barrott join as Brand Ambassadors for London’s Portobello Road gin.
Commenting on the appointments, Nick Gillett, Managing Director, said:
“Great products with first class service, delivered by the most knowledgeable professional salesforce in the industry. That’s what Mangrove is about and what we continually focus on offering to our accounts. Our ethos is about growing products through training, education and stimulating activations. This demands that we constantly ensure we’ve got the right people to drive this in the right areas.
Mangrove UK has worked hard to deliver continuous growth across our portfolio over the last five years and we’re delighted to welcome Beth, Chris, Steve, Emma and Jack to the team as we expand further in 2019.”
To the south of London, Beth Thornton has been appointed as South London Account Manager, bringing together her passion and wealth of knowledge on spirits and a wicked sense of humour. Beth joins straight from her previous role as Sales Manager for the Bimber Distillery where she focused on growing both on and off trade accounts through training, partnerships and education. She previously opened and managed a number of restaurants in Leeds.
Chris Pollard joins as Mangrove UK’s South Sales Manager, looking after key accounts and managing the southern team. Chris brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the London bar scene after his on trade roles for Maverick Drinks and Marussia Beverages. His early experience behind the bar in Manchester gives Chris a great understanding of how best to activate brands through partnership working with bartenders, not to mention being a winner at many competitions.
Steve Harman, ex Flair bartender at “R&R” in Las Vegas, takes a position as West London Account Manager. Steve has focused on the luxury bar and hospitality industry over the last 15 years, including stints as London Sales Manager for Vine Distribution Services and as Assistant General Manager at The Adventure Bar and The Escapologist in Covent Garden. Steve has also judged or hosted various competitions including the Skyy Vodka Global Challenge in Monte Carlo, Shanghai and Dubai.
Emma Heron-Smith and Jack Barrott have been appointed as brand ambassadors for Portobello Road Gin, Emma covering the London area and Jack focusing on the North of the UK.
Emma has worked for distilleries and bars in Scotland, both in production as well as behind the bar culiminating by working with Inver House Distillers. Previously brand ambassador for Freedom Brewery, Emma is an avid blogger and drinks writer.
Jack is no stranger to Portobello Road Gin, having grown up with it as a bartender – even as far back as his first bar tending training session in Manchester. Prior to this new role, Jack worked for Tortuga Brands as Business Development Exec and as a brand ambassador for Daffy’s Gin. Jack started his career bartending in Manchester, including at Lolas, the Blackdog Ballroom and Science and Industry.
Premium spirts importer and distributor Mangrove UK, has enjoyed five years of continuous growth and manages over 20 global premium drinks brands in the UK spanning whisky, vodka, rum, pisco, cognac and liqueurs, several of which are top 10 bestselling brands in 2018.
