NWTC promotes Amber Wood to CEO
New World Trading Company has announced the appointment of Amber Wood as its new chief executive officer.
The bar and restaurant operator behind The Botanist brand has promoted its managing director to CEO, as the business looks to capitalise on its strong trading momentum.
New World Trading Company (NWTC), which operates 27 bars and restaurants, has announced the appointment of Amber Wood (pictured) as its new chief executive officer. Wood joined NWTC from Loungers in August 2023.
"I am absolutely thrilled with the progress the business has made," says Wood. "The renewed energy across our brands and operations is down to the incredible hard work and dedication of our brilliant teams, and the response from guests has been fantastic."
Summer sales
NWTC has also announced the appointment of Jon Hire as its new chief finance officer, replacing Glenn Pearson, who stood down from the position in August.
Hire has held CFO roles most recently at Steer Automotive Group and earlier at Student Roost, following a period within the hospitality industry as group financial controller of Enterprise Inns.
The appointments come as the company, backed by Graphite Capital, continues to deliver encouraging sales. Like-for-like revenue grew by +7.4% in the 17 weeks ending 27 July 2025, marking the company’s sixth consecutive quarter of growth.
Performance, NWTC says, has been underpinned by a renewed focus on The Botanist brand alongside a new food menu, drinks range and service offer.
The new flagship Botanist in Bournemouth has exceeded expectations, delivering cumulative sales of £1.6m since launching in May. In Sheffield, the conversion of The Furnace to The Botanist has driven an 80% uplift in sales versus the same period prior to conversion.
"With the Botanist refresh, new openings and new offer we have built real momentum," adds Wood. "I’m also delighted that our single-site brands are trading exceptionally well. The Oast House, for example, hit a record week in May, only to surpass it again in July. I am very excited to be leading the team into our next phase of evolution."
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