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Hotel Chocolat’s New Era: Carrie Martin Takes the Helm Amid Cocoa Price Shocks and UK Retail Headwinds

Martin’s arrival signals a strategic reinforcement at Hotel Chocolat’s UK helm, drawing on her deep roots in the Mars ecosystem, as she takes over from Lysa Hardy, whose leadership helped shape its premium market position.

Image shows Carrie Martin Hotel Chocolat's new UK General Manager
Carrie Martin is set to take over as Hotel Chocolat's new UK General Manager in October. Image: Carrie Martin
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Hotel Chocolat, the renowned luxury chocolatier now under the ownership of Mars Inc., has announced the appointment of Carrie Martin as its new UK General Manager, effective 6 October 2025. She will report directly to Angus Thirlwell, President and Chief Innovation Officer of the brand.

A Proven Leader from Mars

Martin brings extensive experience from her 25-year tenure at Mars, including four years as General Manager for Europe, the Middle East & Australia at Kind, a Mars-owned snack business. Previous roles in her career spanned senior positions across Mars, Mars Wrigley, and Mars Chocolate, with responsibilities including global route-to-market director and retail excellence director.

A Personal Connection to the Brand

Although an official announcement has yet to be made, Martin expressed her enthusiasm on a LinkedIn post over the weekend: “As a long‑time admirer of Hotel Chocolat, it’s a privilege to lead a brand in the UK now that so many, including myself, feel passionate about. Its blend of ethical values, bold creativity and uncompromising quality sets it apart. I’m looking forward to meeting and working with the team to shape the future while staying true to what makes Hotel Chocolat so loved.” 

In response, Thirlwell welcomed her: “Welcome to Hotel Chocolat, Carrie! Your skills, experience and belief will drive us towards our brand destiny. Let the exciting plans commence!” 

Farewell to Lysa Hardy

The appointment comes on the heels of Lysa Hardy’s departure after seven years with the company. Joining in 2018 as Managing Director of Direct-to-Consumer and Group Chief Marketing Officer, Hardy later became CEO in September 2024.

Hardy reflected on her time at Hotel Chocolat, stating: “After seven fabulous years, it’s time for a new chapter. Today, I step away from my role at Hotel Chocolat with enormous pride and gratitude… I’ve always believed a brand is built from the inside out… I can’t wait to cheer them on as the brand continues to thrive.” 

According to one report, she plans to take a mini-sabbatical involving travel before beginning an “exciting new chapter” in 2026.

Timing is everything

Global cocoa prices are at historic highs, driven by poor West African harvests, El Niño disruptions, and a tight supply outlook. UK consumer spending is also under pressure, with premium brands competing for a share of the wallet as discretionary expenditures slow.

Martin’s immediate challenge will be to balance premium brand positioning with cost volatility, while leveraging Mars’ global resources to accelerate growth. Hotel Chocolat, acquired by Mars in 2023, plans to open 25 new UK stores and expand digital subscription models for products like the popular Velvetiser, its in-home hot and cold chocolate system.

CocoaRadar Comment

For Martin, the task is twofold: to shield Hotel Chocolat from external shocks, such as volatile cocoa prices, drawing on her deep roots in the Mars ecosystem, while capturing new growth through digital innovation and Mars-backed retail expansion.

If executed well, this strategy could transform Hotel Chocolat into a resilient, omnichannel premium brand with subscription-led predictability and experiential retail at its core - even in an economy where every pound counts.

CocoaRadar | People Moves – Key Executive Appointments (2025)

Sept 1Carlo Vassallo → Secretary General, Ferrero Foundation (succeeding Bartolomeo Salomone)

Aug 27Myriah Gambrell-Glenn → General Counsel, Mars Snacking (effective Dec 2025)

Aug 18Kirk Tanner → President & CEO, The Hershey Company (joins from PepsiCo)

Aug 14Prof. William Coffie → Acting MD, Cocoa Processing Company (Ghana)

Jul 18Leticia Vescovi → VP HR, Perfetti Van Melle (Americas)

May 1Jeremy Faa → MD, pladis Americas

Apr 22Craig Barker → MD, Ferrero UK & Ireland

Apr 6Mete Buyurgan → MD, pladis UK & Ireland

Mar 7Norberto Chaclin → EVP & Chief R&D Officer, Mondelēz International

May 27Christian Vollers → President, European Cocoa Association (2025–26)

CocoaRadar Take:
These appointments reflect a wave of leadership transitions across chocolate, cocoa & confectionery — from R&D innovation at Mondelēz to sustainability & advocacy leadership at ECA. Expect strategic shifts in growth, supply chain resilience, and ESG agendas as new executives take their seats.



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