UK-based Canned Wine Group’s co-founder and CCO Ben Franks has been promoted to the role of chief executive officer.
He enters the position as of 1 March, according to a statement from the canned wine maker.
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The decision comes as the group “takes a new strategic direction with a broadening portfolio and a focus on accelerating its UK growth”.
Set up in 2019, part of the company’s portfolio includes canned wines which it sells in the UK and multiple European markets under its brands Canned Wine Co. and The Copper Crew, which it bought three years ago.
Last year, the business also launched 20-litre kegs in the UK under The Copper Crew brand.
Franks takes on the CEO position from fellow co-founder Simon Rollings, who will become Canned Wine Group’s executive chair, to “focus on long-term market strategy, governance, funding and building a world class board”.
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By GlobalDataReflecting on the leadership switch, Rollings said: “As co-founder at Canned Wine Group, Ben is uniquely well placed to lead the business through its next stage of growth. He brings a wealth of contacts from his time as CEO of Novel Wines and MD of Ben Franks Wine. I’m also excited to take on the executive chair role that will shape the long-term direction of our group and ensure we remain leaders in this growing market.”
The change in CEO, Canned Wine Group said, would help to prop up its plans to increase distribution, expand its “premium single-serve” canned wines offering and build a range of price points in its wine kegs range “to capture a wider share of the on-trade wine market”.
Canned Wine Group said it would also invest in building up its UK sales “infrastructure” to help it “continue category growth and increase market share across the trade”.
Franks said: “I’m determined for Canned Wine Group to deliver the most trusted wine-by-the-glass experience. This year, we are excited to innovate with future formats that rapidly expand our availability, and reduce liquid waste from venues up and down the country. Simon and the team have laid strong foundations for us to lead the market and I’m looking forward to building on them in our next phase of growth.”
In 2025, Canned Wine Group achieved £1.7m ($2.3m) in revenue and sold just over one million cans. Speaking to Just Drinks in January, Franks said the group is looking to hit more than £3m in revenue this year, helped by its draught wine kegs offering.
