Naked Wines appoints Trupanion founder Rawlings as chairman

Naked Wines said on Tuesday that Darryl Rawlings will succeed Ian Harding as chairman at the annual meeting in August.

Rawlings is the founder and chief executive officer of Trupanion Inc, a direct-to-consumer (DtC) monthly subscription business that provides medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the US and Canada.

Since founding the business in 2000, he has led Trupanion’s consistent growth, which generated $500m in revenue in 2020 and now serves more than 860,000 enrolled pets, Naked Wines said.

"He brings extensive experience in operating and scaling a subscription DtC business in the US over the last 20 years. His insights and mentorship for the Naked executive team will be invaluable as the group continues its expansion," the online wine retailer said.

Chairman Ian Harding, who will retire this summer after eight years on the board, said: "The group has evolved beyond all recognition over the last five years - from a UK-orientated store-based retailer, into a fast growing and agile DtC subscription business with an entrepreneurial culture and strong focus on its huge US growth opportunity. Darryl's appointment adds valuable skills and experience, and a further US focus to the team."