Meet our team

James' love of wine began back at school, where he persuaded them to launch a wine club. The other founder member from his class was Jason Haynes, founder of Flint Wines, so there must have been something in the water – or maybe the wine! With an original grounding in finance, he's worked in and around the wine industry for thirty years, from working for a national brewer and running a chain of City wine bars, to spending many years working with Michael Saunders building Bibendum into a success. Outside his love of wine, he fills his limited spare time somewhere near a rugby pitch, skiing, or arguing with friends about current affairs. 

Catherine joined Lay & Wheeler in January 2020. Her career began in 2010 working in wineries all around the world during harvest, alongside positions at Robert Rolls & Co and Goedhuis & Co. In 2017 she became a Master of Wine with a research paper on Sancerre’s greatest vineyards. The area remains one of her favourites to buy, sell, collect, and pour blind. She also specialises in Burgundy, curating and constantly updating Lay &Wheeler’s historic list covering everything from the great domaines to fresh new talent. Her insider’s knowledge of the region after seven vintages in Burgundy marks her out in the industry.

David arrived in November 2019 to head up the newly formed Finance department as part of Lay & Wheeler’s independence under new ownership. David was previously the Finance Director at The Edward Alexander Group and most recently lead a recovery and growth project as Finance and Operations Director of its subsidiary, Gainsborough, established in 1903 and holder of a Royal Warrant. He also has deep experience in financial accounting, reporting and controls. David holds a 2008 QBE - Part Qualified ACA. Outside of work, David has a young family, enjoying travel, culture and wine!

Bryony joined Lay & Wheeler in summer 2024, having previously held a variety of HR roles, which enabled her to understand the full HR lifecycle. This led her to the role of People Partner which encompasses so many aspects of the employee journey, from learning and development, to recruitment and benefits. She’s excited about the possibilities at Lay & Wheeler, with a strong focus on growth for current team members, and new starters in the future. When she’s not in the office, she loves hosting friends and family at home, ideally with a crisp, pale rosé in hand.

After graduating from Imperial University, Adrian worked as a geologist before realising his passion lay in wine. He joined Oddbins for just over a year and then moved to the independent fine wine merchant La Vigneronne in South Kensington, later purchased by James Handford MW and renamed Handford Wines. After five years, Adrian went to Corney & Barrow on the private client side before joining Lay & Wheeler in 2007. He’s worked with private clients here since, taking a particular interest in Burgundy, Bordeaux and the finest examples of Riesling. Adrian completed the WSET Diploma in 2001.

Will’s ever-increasing number of grey hairs are testament to his two greatest loves: fine wine and family. Joining Majestic as a graduate in 2000, he spent 11 years managing their high profile stores in the South, before moving to Suffolk in 2011 to become a part of L&W. Since then, he’s enjoyed helping his clients find the right wines for the right occasions. His favourite wine changes from day to day but will certainly include something from Bordeaux, Tuscany or Champagne. He's a doting father of three and indulges his precious spare time enjoying live music, watching his local football team and occasionally cycling (to the pub).

Victoria joined us in 2003 after working in the IT sector in Cambridge, having first graduated with a psychology degree and worked for a local wine merchant where she developed a love of wine. Victoria joins us several days a week, whilst also looking after her three boys. Her favourite regions are the Rhone, Languedoc and the Loire, as well as Champagne. In her spare time (when she is not ferrying her boys around!) she enjoys running, going on walks with friends and playing the piano and cello.

Nicola has been a part of our London Sales Team since May 2023, and completed the WSET Diploma the same year. Prior to this, she spent some time working for an independent wine merchant, and for Decanter Magazine’s World Wine Awards. Her favourite thing about the world of wine is the chance to learn everyday, alongside a great team. Outside of work, she loves to travel, having visited 130 countries and counting. She would never pick a favourite wine, but can often be found with a glass of champagne in hand.

After seventeen years working within the hospitality industry, including twelve years managing the bar and wine programme at a local award-winning gastro pub, Sam decided to pursue his interest in fine wine at Lay & Wheeler as a wine advisor. His love of fine wine extends beyond the usual suspects like Burgundy into Alsace, New Zealand and in particular, Spain, as he spent nearly two years working and managing a bar in Madrid. He has completed the WSET Level 3 course. Away from the office he enjoys fishing of all kinds, with a particular love for fly fishing, cooking, time with his family, good food and of course, great wines!

George joined Lay & Wheeler in April 2024 as part of our trade team. Having worked in the wine trade for 14 years, with customers spanning from independent wine merchants through to national pub chains, George comes with a wealth of experience. His love of wine started at University when his father enrolled him on WSET level 2 - he has never looked back. Sherry is George's great love, but for more traditional wines, its white Burgundy and Loire Cabernet Franc that really excite him. Outside of work he is a keen sportsman and enjoys nothing more than rustling up a great meal in the kitchen and opening a bottle of something special.

Robert joined the Buying team as a Senior Buyer in summer 2024. His journey into wine began at the University of Cambridge where he studied an MA in Musicology and Social Theory, alongside WSET courses. Finding a number of transferrable skills between the world of Music and Sociology, and Wine, he started working at Bibendum, where he quickly became a Fine Wine Buyer. Until earlier this year, Robert was responsible for Bordeaux, the Rhone, USA, and Germany at Bordeaux Index. 

After graduating from the University of Bristol, Tom was inspired to join the wine industry following a brief experience working with a friend at a vineyard in Marin County, California. After stints in the Clare Valley, Hawkes Bay, and at a winery in his native Hampshire, Tom joined the Lay & Wheeler team in May of 2023. He holds the WSET level 3 and an MSc in Vineyard and Winery Management from Bordeaux Sciences Agro. Away from work and his studies, he is unsuccessfully trying to shave seconds off his local parkrun time.

Having studied Classics at the University of Durham, Steffan joined Berry Bros & Rudd where he organised and hosted events for private and corporate customers. He then worked at English wine producer Nyetimber as their Brand Ambassador, before joining Lay & Wheeler in September 2020. Steffan has held the WSET Diploma since 2017. Born into a world of wine, he grew up visiting vineyards at an age where he was unable to take full advantage of their produce, which is thankfully no longer an issue. A keen traveller and lover of the arts, Steffan’s wine tastes lean fairly classical but he has a particular soft spot for great South African wines

Lauren joined Lay & Wheeler in November 2024, having previously completed Hallgarten’s Apprenticeship Programme. Prior to this she graduated from Sheffield University with a BA in Modern Languages, and then set about travelling the world, working throughout, including eight vintages across Australia, Spain, France and UK. Champagne will always be her favourite, and she is saving a bottle of Pol Roger’s Sir Winston Churchill from her birth year, to be opened on her 30th birthday!

Issy joined in the autumn of 2016 after starting her career in hospitality. Her role spans all activities that ensure our customers and their wines are cared for, and that we go above and beyond to deliver the best possible service. Issy has a preference for anything sparkling as well as enjoying a good Pinot Noir. Issy has completed the WSET Level 3, passing with merit. When not at work, she’s likely to be walking her Labrador on the beach, out rowing with her local rowing club or enjoying a good meal with her friends.

In January 2017, Ksenia became part of the Customer Care team. Ksenia brings with her experience in hospitality, working in and managing several restaurants. She also has several years’ experience as a personal banker at Lloyds TSB Bank. Ksenia has begun to learn more about fine wine since joining the team and enjoys our regular tasting. Outside the office, Ksenia is most likely spending time with her daughter. She has completed the WSET Level 2, passing with distinction.

Jo, a Suffolk native, joined the Lay & Wheeler customer care team in April 2023. She brings a wealth of customer service experience as well as a solid knowledge of the freight forwarding industry making her perfectly placed to help connect our clients with the right wines. For Jo herself, the ‘right wine’ is usually a glass of tasty Sauvignon Blanc. Away from work, she can be found walking her dog, practising yoga, or indulging her passion for floristry.

Sarka is originally from the Czech Republic and moved to UK in 2002 after completing her business studies at university in her home country. She began her career in marketing before transitioning into finance. Since 2011, Sarka has held key responsibilities in finance at Lay & Wheeler. Prior to that, she worked at Majestic Wine from 2007, gaining valuable experience in the sector. Outside of work, Sarka enjoys rowing, skiing, and cycling, and is also deeply committed to her family, cherishing time spent with her children.

Agnes is originally from Warsaw, Poland but now calls Colchester her home. She has a Masters in Management in Tourism, her AAT Level 2 accounting qualification, and is working towards the next level. Her work experience has taken her from the travel industry to administration, working for logistics companies and customs, all contributing to her role now within our finance team. Outside of Lay & Wheeler, Agnes loves to travel and explore new places, but her favourite pastime is spending time with her children and their dog. She’s busy learning everything she can about wine so is not ready to commit to a favourite, yet.

Rick began working at Lay & Wheeler over Christmas, when Lay & Wheeler had a shop in Colchester in 1995. He returned to work there during university holidays while at the University of East Anglia, and worked the harvest at Rauzan-Segla in Bordeaux, too. Upon graduation, Rick joined the team full time, initially responsible for managing tastings, before assuming responsibility for technical support. Today, Rick manages our website and the technology behind it. With a self-professed sweet tooth, Rick’s favourite wine is Tokaji Essenzia. A devoted father, Rick spends his time outside the office with his two daughters.

Mikki has worked at Lay & Wheeler since July 2022, starting in the warehouse and moving through the Supply Chain team, to Finance, finally landing in our Business Change team. He originally joined whilst studying for his Economics degree, for which he received First Class honours. When he’s not climbing the ranks of Lay & Wheeler, Mikki avidly follows motorsports, going to races whenever he gets the chance. He doesn’t have a favourite wine yet, but he’s enjoying the chance to learn more through his time in the business so far. 

Keeley joined Lay & Wheeler in July 2021 as Shipping Coordinator and now manages our Supply Chain team. Her previous experience included office management roles in the optical industry and as head of logistics for the MoD and CarillonAmey. Outside of work, she plays football for a local Women's Division and is a qualified football coach, with a particular passion for encouraging more girls into the sport. Her favourite spirit is team spirit!

Cameron first joined Lay & Wheeler on a short contract in summer 2023, but six months later he was hooked and has proven himself invaluable to the team! Prior to that he worked as a refuse loader whilst studying for an Operating Department Diploma. Since joining the business, he has developed a soft spot for Lay & Wheeler's Our Collection Champagne. When Cameron isn’t dealing with all things supply chain, he follows Ipswich Town around the country, going to as many home and away games as he can. 

Originally from the United States, Elliot joined in August 2021 as a Supply Chain Coordinator. As a self-proclaimed wine nerd, Elliot is always eager to learn and is currently studying for their WSET L2. Their favourite wine region is Spain, as their tenure at a Spanish wine bar is what sparked their love and passion for wine. When Elliot isn’t watching over customer reserves, they can be found tending their garden with family or embarking on their latest sewing project.