Kingsland Drinks Group, a wine and spirits creation, co-packing and filling firm based in Greater Manchester, has announced the departure of its managing director, Ed Baker.

Baker is set to leave the drinks company after more than a decade to take on a new leadership role outside of the drinks sector.

During his tenure as MD since 2019, Baker oversaw significant investments in Kingsland's infrastructure and capabilities, cementing the company's position as a full-service partner to the drinks industry.

This included a focus on spirits and no- and low-alcohol creation, as well as an increased capacity to pack wines and spirits in new and emerging formats.

The company also reinstated its onsite winery, expanded its new product development capabilities with a new laboratory, and transitioned to an employee-owned model in 2021, giving its members a say in how the business is run.

"The lifeblood and success of the drinks industry overall has been a personal crusade," said Baker. "I'm leaving behind a talented, capable and energetic team positioned to win in the years ahead."

Kingsland Drinks chairman Andy Sagar praised Baker's contributions, saying he will be "greatly missed" but that the company has a strong leadership team and is well-prepared for the future.

The company is currently recruiting Baker's successor, who will oversee the entire business. Baker's departure follows a series of high-profile hires in recent years, including Andy Henderson as operations director, Mark Riley as commercial director and Simon Shelbourn as chief financial officer.

Kingsland Drinks is a leading independent contract packer, bottler, distributor, creator and supplier of wine, spirits, and no- and low-alcohol products, offering a complete category solution for the drinks supply chain. The company's 18-acre site in Irlam is home to a team of over 400 employees.

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