New World Trading Company Appoints Amber Wood as CEO

New World Trading Company (NWTC), the Graphite Capital-backed hospitality group, has announced the appointment of Amber Wood as its new Chief Executive Officer. Wood, formerly Managing Director, takes the helm as the business reports strong trading momentum and continued growth across its flagship brand, The Botanist.

In the 17 weeks ending 27 July 2025, NWTC delivered like-for-like sales growth of 7.4%. The performance reflects the company’s sharpened focus on The Botanist, supported by refreshed food and drinks menus and a renewed emphasis on service.

Recent openings have exceeded expectations, with the new flagship site in Bournemouth achieving cumulative sales of £1.6 million since its May launch. In Sheffield, the conversion of The Furnace to The Botanist has driven an 80% uplift in sales compared with the same period prior to the conversion.

Amber Wood commented:

“I am absolutely thrilled with the progress the business has made. 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. I am very excited to be leading the team into our next phase of evolution.”

Wood’s appointment follows a strategic restructuring in 2024, which included the closure of three sites in response to challenging trading conditions linked to inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.

Alongside the CEO appointment, NWTC has strengthened its leadership team with the arrival of Jon Hire as Chief Financial Officer. Hire, formerly Group Financial Controller at Enterprise Inns, succeeds Glenn Pearson, who stepped down in August.

Jon Hire said:

“With the Botanist refresh, new openings, and a revitalised offer, the business has built real momentum. I’m joining at a pivotal time, with transformation well underway, and I’m looking forward to working closely with the team to steer the next phase of growth.”

NWTC currently operates 27 UK sites, primarily under The Botanist brand, and continues to explore opportunities to expand its unique proposition in the market.