Simon Hunt joins Berry Bros board

British wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros & Rudd has added Catalyst Spirits CEO Simon Hunt and Selfridges boss Anne Pitcher to its board.

Hunt has spent nearly 30 years in the drinks industry, including five years as CEO of William Grant & Sons, with previous roles at Pernod Ricard and Diageo.

He is currently CEO of London-based spirits incubator Catalyst Spirits, which is part-owned by Campari Group. He brings extensive knowledge of the global spirits sector to the role.

Pitcher brings 20 years of experience to the position, having most recently worked as CEO of retail brand Selfridges for 11 years.

She is a leading industry advocate for reinventing luxury retail for a sustainable future.

With these appointments in place, the total number of women on the board is four, following the recent appointment of chief financial officer Emily Rae.

The board will work alongside a majority female-led senior leadership team including Rae, Lizzy Rudd as chair, and Emma Fox as CEO.

Lizzy Rudd said: “These two new appointments embody the future direction of the business and support our ambition to be the best and most trusted fine wine and spirits merchant in the world. Both Anne and Simon bring a wealth of experience and insight across ultra-premium prestige brands.

“As we celebrate our 325^th year in business this year, it is crucial that we continue to adapt and look to the future. We believe the complementary experience of both Anne and Simon will help us to innovate and grow successfully while creating a positive social and environmental impact for future generations to come.”

Hunt added: “Berry Brothers & Rudd is a fabulous, family-owned business with an enviable global reputation in the premium wines and spirits industry. I am delighted to be joining the board and look forward to supporting the company to achieve its exciting and ambitious vision.”

Last month, Berry Bros released its spring spirits range, which included its first English whisky.