Briony Wilson is to take over as CEO of Taste Cheshire from founder Stephen Wundke.
Wundke set up the organisation 12 years ago and has been ever-present throughout its development.
“When I started Taste Cheshire my aim was to create a company that was the definitive website for food and drink in Cheshire,” he said.
“It genuinely thrills me to see us having achieved that status.
“There is no other organisation in Cheshire who represents our food and drink producers, retailers, our pubs and restaurants and the many outstanding food and drink events that we run across Cheshire.
“Of this I am very proud.
“I am also extremely proud to be handing over to Briony Wilson.
“Anyone who has got to know Briony over the last six years will know the passion she has for the industry, the work ethic that she has instilled in our team and the way she simply cares about every person who interacts with our business.
“She is a special person, and she will do a fantastic job of driving Taste Cheshire forward over the coming years.”
Tori Hayes has also been appointed as the new Chief Marketing Officer after joining the organisation 18 months ago.
“In a very short time has endeared herself to our customers and shown a deep understanding of the needs of the industry,” said Wundke.
“She comes from a hospitality operator background and simply “got” Taste Cheshire from day one. She will make a formidable partner for Briony.”
Wundke will remain as chairman of Taste Cheshire.
Newly appointed CEO Briony Wilson said: “The last 15 months have been a real challenge for the industry and for us at Taste Cheshire.
“We took a decision to support all of our members through lockdown because we knew they would need us to put out as many positive messages as possible.
“Now that we are getting back to ‘normality’ the future of the industry looks incredibly exciting.
“Our major events of both Deva Fest and the Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Festival are scheduled for August and we are hopeful we will shortly be releasing a huge programme of events around these major attractions.
“I can’t wait to get on with showing the rest of the UK just how special Cheshire is and how we are getting it right in 2021.”
The organisation is well known in the area for their organisation of the Chester Food and Drink Festival, monthly Farmer’s markets and for their Taste Cheshire Awards which set the industry standard locally.
For more information go to www.tastecheshire.com
