Shannon Smith

I joined Kingsland Drinks in September 2022 as a Product Executive and at the end of 2024 progressed into the role of Marketing and Communications Officer. I am also a Voice Group Ambassador and a Mental Health First Aider. 

Previous to Kingsland, I studied Photography at University and gained a second class degree. Joining Kingsland with no experience in the drinks industry felt like entering a whole new world! However, since completing the WSET Level 1 & 2 in Wine and being given so much exposure within the business and its different divisions, I have picked up lots of new skills in a short space of time! 

Kingsland have given me the opportunity to do an apprenticeship which I am currently studying. Following my promotion, I was really keen to expand my experience and knowledge in marketing and an apprenticeship was the perfect way to do this. Learning while I’m on the job allows me to apply my new knowledge to real life tasks and workplace situations and it’s a great way to start on a career path.  

Through dedication and continued growth, I have recently been named on the Harpers Wine & Spirit Magazine 30 under 30 list which highlights the next generation of leaders and talents in the industry.  

Working in the drinks industry is exciting – I work with a lot of like-minded people, I can observe and learn from the talented teams, and it’s great fun to trial and experiment with new products. No two days are the same and it’s a really varied role. 

The Voice Group enables our members to have a platform to voice their suggestions on how to improve the site, working practices and even benefits. My role as an ambassador is to explore if and how we can make these suggestions come to life. To work on these projects from start to finish and seeing how they make a difference to our members is extremely rewarding.  

Kingsland’s commitment to mental health and providing mental health first aid courses showcases that our members are the forefront of our business. Being an employee-owned business is proof of this. 

To me, employee ownership sets Kingsland apart from other businesses in the industry and wider. It highlights that every person at Kingsland is valued and contributes to the day to day running and success of the business.