Divine Chocolate, the Fairtrade chocolate company owned by cocoa farmers, has appointed Chris Noel as sales director.
He joins the senior management team which includes group CEO Sophi Tranchell, finance director David Upton and marketing director Charlotte Green.
fair
Noel joins from Waitrose, where he was confectionery buyer for almost four years. He began his career with the John Lewis Partnership 13 years ago and has held various positions within the group.
He will be responsible for developing and implementing the Divine Chocolate UK sales strategy. This will include being responsible for key customers including major national accounts, ensuring distributors maximise growth potential for the brand as well as developing opportunities to expand the brand’s retail presence.
Divine has grown to a business with £12m global turnover and now sells in countries across Europe, as well as Canada, South Korea, Japan and Australia and the US, where the company has an office.
Divine is currently expanding its export offering and was named best emerging brand at The Sunday Times Lloyds SME Export Track 100 awards in May 2017.
“Divine Chocolate is an exceptional brand in the premium market, combining fine quality chocolate with a unique brand story,” said Noel.
“Its future is exciting, with the challenge to continue to do things differently, so I’m delighted to have the opportunity to be involved in the next stage of its development and expanding the brand’s presence.”
Tranchell said: “Chris brings with him considerable experience within the chocolate market, as well as broader knowledge of how to target more affluent foodie shoppers, which is relevant for Divine.
“His experience within Britain’s most successful employee-owned business and his understanding of the premium chocolate market will help Divine expand its presence in the UK and beyond, as we grow the brand and take Divine to its next stage of development.”
No comments yet