Hotel Chocolat Group plc announce the appointment of Stephen Alexander as the Company's Non-Executive Chair, effective on 5 May 2023. Stephen has held numerous Chair roles of public and private equity-backed companies, predominantly in the consumer sector, for more than 20 years, including Dairy Crest, Immediate Media, Rhubarb Foods, EMI Group, Odeon Cinemas, AWAS Aircraft Leasing and Meridien Hotels. Prior to this, Stephen was Chief Executive of Hillsdown Holdings, before which he spent 17 years at Allied Domecq, where he was Chief Executive of both the Food and Retailing Divisions including 4,500 pubs and 9,000 fast food restaurants.

He has also chaired the charities Look Ahead and Employment Autism. Stephen is currently an Operating Partner with private equity group OpCapita LLP. In addition, as previously announced, Andrew Gerrie will step down as the Company's Chair and member of the Board with his resignation effective from 4 May 2023.