Hatch Mansfield managing director Ben Knollys is stepping down from his role at the end of October as part of a review of the company’s executive structure.

Knollys, who has been Hatch’s MD since 2021, leaves on October 1 “to pursue fresh challenges beyond Hatch Mansfield within the drinks industry”.

Patrick McGrath MW, who has led the business since its formation in 1994, will take on its chairmanship. The process to appoint the newly-combined role of CEO and MD is under way.

McGrath said: “Ben has been a highly valued colleague, leader and friend to many across the business. He has played such an important part in the development and success of the business and we thank him enormously for his dedication and wish him every success in the future.”

Knollys said: “After 24 years, with a natural fork in the road, the time feels right for me to take on a new challenge.

“I am enormously proud of what we have built together at Hatch Mansfield and I leave with great affection for the business and want to take this opportunity to thank from the bottom of my heart our wonderful colleagues, supplier partners and customers who have made it such an enjoyable journey.

“I have reflected deeply on my decision to leave – not an easy one, as Hatch Mansfield courses through my veins – but I am genuinely excited about what lies ahead for me in the UK drinks trade.”