Betsy Haynes
Managing Director of Northeast Wines & Spirits
Betsy Haynes heads Northeast Wines & Spirits, one of the very first New World wine importers in Hong Kong established almost three decades ago. The company was credited for introducing some of the biggest wine names in the US, Australia, and New Zealand outside of France to the city in early 1990s.
Started as a fresh graduate at The Marriott Group in London, Haynes has dedicated her career in the hospitality industry between Hong Kong and England, but since 2009 she has permanently relocated to Hong Kong to grow her family business.
Built on the success from her mentor and boss (also Mother) – Lillian Haynes; she quickly picks up the vision and core values at Northeast and has been taking a leading role within a few years.
She is also key to build a like-minded team that will not only uphold the reputation of this family business; but to lead and grow into a company that understands and anticipates the needs of the industry; as well as providing a safe workplace that encourages creativity and inclusion.
In 2021, despite the pandemic, Northeast expanded its portfolio and merged with one of the artisan spirits pioneers in the city – High Spirits, which takes the company to a new level with the premium offering of the new company being much more complete. Brand leaders such as Piper-Heidsieck, Michter’s and more are now under one umbrella.
The company also runs a retail platform wine’n’things for the city’s wine and spirits drinkers.
I must commend Debra for setting up WineSpit which helped educate the wine industry in Hong Kong, she gives back to the Industry selflessly time and time again.