Naked Wines welcomes new non-executive director

Naked Wines has announced that Darryl Rawlings will join its board as an independent non-executive director. 

In an announcement, the pure play e-commerce wine retailer has said that Rawlings will also succeed Ian Harding as chairman at the next annual general meeting in August 2021. 

This comes after Harding previously announced intentions to retire this summer after serving on the board for eight years. 

Rawlings is the founder and CEO of Trupanion Inc, a direct-to-consumer (DtC), monthly subscription business that provides “medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the US and Canada”. 

Since founding the business in 2000, he has led the company’s “consistent growth”, which generated $500m (£362m) in revenue in 2020 and now serves more than 860,000 enrolled pets. 

Naked Wines, which is headquartered in Norwich, said that Rawlings “insights and mentorship” will be invaluable as the group continues its expansion. 

Harding said: “We have conducted an extensive search process and I am delighted that Darryl has agreed to join Naked Wines at such an important moment in our growth journey. 

“The group has evolved beyond all recognition over the last five years – from a UK orientated store-based retailer, into a fast growing and agile DtC subscription business with an entrepreneurial culture and strong focus on its huge US growth opportunity.”

Rawlings, added: “Naked is disrupting the wine industry through its unique business model and superior offering to both customers and winemakers. 

“Nick [group CEO] and the team have created a compelling consumer proposition with attractive economics and high retention. I’m excited to join the board as the business scales and leverages its position as a leader in the DtC wine market.”