Wine retailer Majestic has strengthened its buying team with several new hires.
Phil Edwards has joined the company to oversee the categories of Spain, Rose, Champagne, Sparkling and Fine Wine. He has more than 30 years of experience in the drinks industry, including spells at Direct Wines, Booker, Safeway, Threshers, Mitchells and Butlers and Drinks 21. Edwards joins Majestic from wines & spirits supplier General Wine & Liquor Company, where he served as commercial manager.
Karen O’Donoghue has made the switch from the Irish department store chain, Dunnes, to take responsibility for all French red and white wines at Majestic. She holds a WSET Diploma and is two years into her Master of Wine studies.
The trio of new senior buyers is completed by Catherine Forbes-Taylor, who joins the retailer from organic baby food specialist, Ella’s Kitchen. She has 15 years of experience in buying roles, including stints with John Lewis, Whittard of Chelsea and furniture brand Laura James. She will oversee the buying of wines from New Zealand, Australia, Argentina and Chile.
Meanwhile, James Cox, who previously worked in Majestic stores between 2011 and 2015, has returned to the business as a junior buyer.
The new additions join existing team members Jane Masters MW, Zara Cassidy, Andy Bray and Rebecca Ohayon Gergely. All will report to Majestic’s head of buying, Matt Fowkes.
Majestic’s Managing Director, Elizabeth Newman, commented: “I’m delighted to welcome Phil, Karen, Catherine and James to Majestic. They will bring different ideas, perspectives and expertise to the buying team, and I’m really looking forward to working with all of them as we develop our award-winning proposition across wines, beers, spirits and our fast-growing snacks and gifting categories.
“We’re really proud of our track record of sourcing exciting, innovative and exclusive wines from around the world, and our new buyers are perfectly placed to help us to continue delivering on that promise for our customers.”
NamNews Implications:
- An undoubted strengthening of the buying team
- Reflecting experience in traditional alcohol....
- But curiously no mention of Low-No..?
