In memoriam: Paul Tholen MW

Became an MW 1984, died March 2026

Paul entered the trade in 1976, working for John Vaughan-Hughes at Luis Gordon & Sons. In 1979, he moved to Green’s Ltd as Buying Director. From 1981 to 1985 he worked with James Rogers at Cullen’s Stores where he ran the Wine Club and helped with buying, before moving to Norfolk as Colman’s of Norwich wine buyer. During this time he passed the MW examination and earned the title of Master of Wine in 1984.

In 1988, when the Reckitt & Colman group sold its wine interests both in the UK and Australia, Paul remained with Colman’s in broader procurement and operations management roles. A developing interest in the business of business rather than just the business of wine led Paul, in 1995, to the world of management consulting where he spent seven years with KPMG, advising clients around the world. Finally, in 2002 Paul founded his own consultancy business working mainly with the owners and managers of small businesses helping them to grow and build value in their organisations.

Paul retired in 2012 but continued to act as a volunteer mentor with the Prince’s Trust and chair the Trustees of a local musical charity. Music, photography, golf and travel kept him occupied in his spare time. Paul is remembered by his wife, Wendy Tholen.