In the midst of its Bibendum acquisition, Conviviality has promoted two executives to its board. Jennifer Laing will take on the role of Non-Executive Director and Mark Aylwin will join the board as Managing Director of Conviviality Direct. Both will be joining immediately.

Having spent more than 30 years in the advertising industry, Laing has a strong background in brand marketing. She has held the role of Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Remuneration Committee of Premier Foods for four years and recently retired from serving as the Non-Executive Director for a decade at the Board of InterContinental Hotels Group at the beginning of May this year.

In addition, Laing previously worked at Saatchi & Saatchi for 16 years, most recently as Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of North America and Chairman of London before this.

Conviviality Direct‘s new Managing Director joined the retailer in January 2016 as Managing Director of Matthew Clark. Aylwin has spent over 35 years in the food and drink sector, holding senior positions at Booker, Blueheath, Safeway and Musgrave Group. His promotion comes off the back of his significant success with Matthew Clark, enabling the Group to recognise the benefits of the drinks distributor.

 “I am delighted to welcome Jennifer to our Board as Non-Executive Director. Jennifer‘s in-depth knowledge of branding, marketing and advertising, as well as her experience on the board of a global hotel group with a large franchisee base, further diversifies the Board‘s skill-set. We look forward to her insight as we continue to grow both our franchisee network and our on-trade business, and become a more valuable partner to our suppliers in promoting their brands across the UK” said David Adams, Chairman of Conviviality.

“I am also pleased that Mark is joining the Board as Managing Director Conviviality Direct. Mark has been a great addition to the management team since he joined Conviviality in January 2016 and I look forward to continuing to benefit from his experience as the Group develops.”

The independent alcohol wholesaler noted that the completion of its Bibendum acquisition will be discussed in its general meeting on 19 May. Conviviality said that the £60m deal will significantly increase its group annual sales to an estimated £1.4bn and will heighten its place in the premium drinks sector.