PLB has recruited Karen Hardwick, an accredited WSET Educator and former owner of The Wine Academy, to the position the newly created sales role of national account manager - multiple on-trade.

The role will focus on leading relationships with major on-trade operators throughout the UK, and will provide staff training and wine education for PLB customers.

For the last 12 years, Hardwick has run The Wine Academy - one of the UK's leading sources of WSET approved wine and spirits training for both trade and consumers, she has had over 20 years commercial experience in the drinks industry, including positions at Mondavi & Britvic.

Currently in the second year of her MW studies, she was recently named the Riedel WSET Educator of the Year.

Simon Brook, PLB's specialist division field sales manager, said: "We are thrilled to welcome someone of Karen's calibre to our growing team. The last 12 months have seen significant investment in our on-trade and independent merchant business and with Karen's appointment we now have a resource committed to establishing, increasing and supporting our presence in the multiple on-trade."

The PLB Specialist Division sources and supplies to on and off-trade independents. Its recently revised portfolio comprises around 350 predominantly exclusive wines.