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 1 – Carlo Vassallo → Secretary General, Ferrero Foundation (succeeding Bartolomeo Salomone)
Aug 27 – Myriah Gambrell-Glenn → General Counsel, Mars Snacking (effective Dec 2025)
Aug 18 – Kirk Tanner → President & CEO, The Hershey Company (joins from PepsiCo)
Aug 14 – Prof. William Coffie → Acting MD, Cocoa Processing Company (Ghana)
Jul 18 – Leticia Vescovi → VP HR, Perfetti Van Melle (Americas)
May 1 – Jeremy Faa → MD, pladis Americas
Apr 22 – Craig Barker → MD, Ferrero UK & Ireland
Apr 6 – Mete Buyurgan → MD, pladis UK & Ireland
Mar 7 – Norberto Chaclin → EVP & Chief R&D Officer, Mondelēz International
May 27 – Christian 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.
- From the Desk of CocoaRadar is the official media partner ECA 9th European Cocoa Forum.
- 'From Our Desk. To Yours. Daily.'
- Sign-up here for free and upgrade to an annual plan.