Stephen Alexander

Non-Executive Chairman

Appointed 2023

Stephen has held numerous Chair roles of public and private equity-backed companies, predominantly in the consumer sector, for more than 20 years.

Prior to this, Stephen was Chief Executive of Hillsdown Holdings and at Allied Domecq, where he was Chief Executive of both the Food and Retailing Divisions. He has also chaired the charities Look Ahead and Employment Autism.

Sophie Tomkins

Independent Non-Executive Director

Appointed 2016

Sophie has considerable public markets experience gained through a 17-year career in the City. Sophie is Non-executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committees at System1 Group PLC, and Virgin Wines UK plc.

Sophie qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1994.

Greg Hodder

Senior Independent Non Executive Independent Director

Appointed 2017

Greg was CEO of Charles Tyrwhitt from 2008 to 2017 and previously CEO of Direct Wines including Laithwaites and The Sunday Times Wine Club. Greg has considerable experience of growth through digital and international retail, including as former Chair of Naked Wines.

Angus Thirlwell

Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer

Co-founded in 1993

Angus co-founded Hotel Chocolat with Peter Harris in 1993 and has a particular focus on brand strategy, product and channel models, marketing and creative.

Angus attended Cranfield School of Management Business Growth Programme and is a committee member for The Academy of Chocolate.

Peter Harris

Co-founder and Development Director

Co-founded in 1993

Peter co-founded Hotel Chocolat with Angus Thirlwell in 1993 and is responsible for real estate, legal and intellectual property.

Peter qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1979.

Jon Akehurst

Chief Financial Officer

Appointed 2023

Jon joined Hotel Chocolat as Chief Financial Officer in 2023 and is responsible for the finance function and investor relations.

Jon’s career includes management and leadership roles with General Mills, Mars, Aggreko and most recently at Terumo Corporation as CFO of their Aortic division. He has extensive experience across branded goods, manufacturing and international development.

Jon qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2009.