A graduate in Biochemistry from Bath University, with a proven track record at Executive level within SME and larger corporations, running wine businesses across the globe.

As a graduate trainee with Diageo, I worked in a variety of Technical, Commercial and General Management roles, including GM of Callitheke (founders of Aqua Libra and Purdeys soft drinks), and Wine & Business Development Director based in South Africa during the mid 90's.

In '97, I became MD of the JSE listed Savanha wines, and was part of the merger team that created Spier, whereupon I returned to the UK to establish their Global distribution network.

In 2003, I established a Global Agency business specialising in South Africa wines and a Consultancy business (Blackrock wines) specialising in sourcing, menu creation and supporting wineries with global business development (whilst setting up the first Russian WSET school, and establishing Jamaica's only specialist fine wine importing company).

In 2017 I became the CEO of Yealands Wine Group in New Zealand, managing NZ's fifth largest producer, trading in 80 markets globally; the role involved navigating the business through a significant period of change following the sale of the business by the eponymous founder to a Marlborough based power business.

I became Chair of the IMW in 2018 and on returning to the UK in 2019, assumed the role of Executive Director of the Institute, leading the IMW through a period of exciting development as we navigated the challenges of Covid-19. I stepped down from the ED position at the 2022 AGM.

In 2021 I assumed the role of Chair of the panel of judges for the Golden Vines Gucci Sustainability award, responsible for highlighting those wineries engaged in industry leading sustainability activities.

In 2023 I became a non-Executive Board member at Bottlebooks Gmbh and at the Bhutan Wine Company, before taking up a full time role as Chief Operating Officer at 67 Pall Mall, with responsiblity for running all clubs and central group functions, whilst driving the strategic program that will help fulfil the undoubted potential of this exciting global membership business.

Current employer: 67 Pall Mall

Primary area(s) of work: Trade, Strategy

Industry sector(s): Project management, Marketing, PR, Business owner, Agency/Importer, Buying, Consultant, Wine judge, International trade, Wine business strategy

Wine styles: Sparkling wine, Still white, Still red, Still rosé, Still wines

Wine region expertise: New Zealand, South Africa

Market expertise: New Zealand, Europe, Asia, North America, United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Canada, Netherlands, France, Russia, Africa

Specialisms: Sustainability, Processing of grapes, Economics of wine production, Blending, Quality assurance and control, Sensory evaluation , Marketing wine, Investment strategies, Financial and commercial structures, Supplier/customer relationships, Identifying and meeting consumer demand, ESG, Routes to market, Importation, Distribution, HORECA, Supermarket and multiple retail, Independent retail, Food and wine pairing, Restaurant wines, Branding, Wine judging