Our Team

  • James Kowszun
    Managing Director

    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. 

  • Amanda Skinner
    Commercial Strategy Director

    Amanda started her working life at Moët & Chandon in Epernay in summer 1985, followed by Ehrmanns and, in 1986, she joined John Armit Wines, working with John to build the company. In 2005 she moved to Norfolk and joined the Wheeler family to help prepare the company for sale, subsequently joining Private Cellar in 2008, expanding her client base in the UK and HK. In September 2024 she joined the leadership team at Lay & Wheeler as Commercial Strategy Director. She is a keen cook, gardener and conservationist and an active Trustee of The Country Food Trust.

  • Catherine Jaën MW (née Petrie)
    Buying Director (on Maternity Leave)

    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.

  • Alice Cave
    Sales Director

    While studying French and Spanish at Newcastle university, Alice spent 6 industrious months at Château Haut-Bailly in Pessac-Léognan, where her love of wine was ignited. After a year at Majestic, she moved to Berry Bros. & Rudd, for a spell in their St James’s shop before switching focus to wholesale. She joined Lay & Wheeler's private client sales team in 2020 and became Sales Director in 2024, with clients both in the UK and Asia. When Alice isn't working or contemplating which bottle of Riesling to buy next, you'll find her walking the South West coast path or swimming the seas of East Devon all year around.

  • David Isherwood
    Finance Director

    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!

People and Culture

  • Bryony Humm
    People Partner

    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.

  • Isla Maclellan
    People and Culture Assistant

    Isla joined Lay & Wheeler in November 2022 having most recently worked for the local council helping with building control, and street naming and numbering. For two years, she put this organisational experience to use helping our clients consolidate their cellars with us. A recent promotion has seen Isla join the People and Culture team, supporting Bryony (our People Partner) in developing the culture and wellbeing in the business. She is learning more about wine with our team, and enjoys socialising with family and friends when she’s not in the office with us. Her wine of choice is a pale dry rosé. 

Fine Wine Advisory

  • Adrian Heaven
    Head of Sales - Suffolk

    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.

  • Alec Robinson
    Head of Sales - London

    Alec holds a degree in Geography from Edinburgh University, with his dissertation there on “The Rise of Rosé Wine” marking the start of his career in wine. He worked for Champagne Louis Roederer, Champagne Lanson, Berry Bros. & Rudd and as Brand Ambassador for Nyetimber. Alec joined us as a Fine Wine Advisor in 2022 and was promoted to manage the London Sales Team in 2024. Outside of Lay & Wheeler, Alec enjoys spending time with family and friends, the occasional trip to the pub to watch Arsenal and cooking. While Alec’s love of sparkling wines is clear from his career, he also greatly enjoys the wines of Burgundy, Northern Italy and Spain.

  • Will Hepworth
    Fine Wine Advisor

    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).

  • Paula Hunter
    Fine Wine Advisor

    Paula has been at Lay & Wheeler for over 15 years now and in that time has visited many countries and regions. But the standout visit has to be a trip to South Africa staying with Anthony and Olive Hamilton Russell at their winery in the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Then travelling on and staying at Klein Constantia. South African wines are very close to Paula's heart as they offer huge variety, quality and value. During Paula’s time at L&W she has also completed the WSET Diploma, and she's even considering the MW. Who knows! In her free time Paula spends time with her family walking their dog Maggie, cooking and running.

  • Victoria Chaplin
    Fine Wine Advisor

    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.

  • Rosie Emms
    Fine Wine Advisor

    Rosie grew up just outside Paris and spent family holidays in the Burgundy and Rhône regions of France. During her university year abroad, she studied at Bordeaux Montaigne University, it was here that she decided to pursue a career in the wine industry. Following graduation she worked as an Account Manager at FINE+RARE, before trying her hand working at a wine and spirits start-up, completing her WSET Level 3 in the process. Realising she wanted to work at a more established (170+ year old) company, Rosie applied to Lay & Wheeler, where she is now a Fine Wine Advisor. Rosie especially loves the wines of South Africa, the Rhône and Chablis.

  • Nicola Kelly
    Fine Wine Advisor

    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.

  • Camilla Shepherd
    Head of Partnerships

    Camilla (Mills) joined Lay & Wheeler in the summer of 2024 to lead our expanding Partnerships team. Before entering the wine industry, Mills lived another life competing horses at international level. After hanging up her boots, she joined the wine trade, working for an independent wine merchant, until she was drawn to Lay & Wheeler by the breadth of wines offered and the exciting journey with Coterie Holdings. When she’s not dreaming up exciting ways to attract new customers, she still rides regularly and loves anything adrenaline-fuelled. Following a trip to Tuscany with customers, her most recent wine discovery is Brunello di Montalcino.

Fine Wine Trading

  • Sam Cunliffe
    Fine Wine Trading

    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!

  • Dominic Walker
    Fine Wine Trading

    Dominic joined our team at the start of 2023 and looks after the Trade side of things here at Lay & Wheeler. He read Classics at university, after which he worked for a local brewery and then spent a year on a vineyard on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. Dominic is finishing up his WSET Diploma at the moment, so is getting in lots of tasting practice when he can. Outside the office, he enjoys running (slowly) around Regent's Park, cooking pasta, and going to the pub. Dominic loves a good Manzanilla Sherry or a Kabinett Riesling.

  • George Randall
    Head of Business Development

    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.

Buying & Marketing

  • Robert Mathias MW
    Senior Buyer

    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. 

  • Jemma Grant
    Buyer

    Jemma joined in July 2021 as a Buying Coordinator and was promoted to Buyer two years later. She graduated from University of Strathclyde in International Business and Modern Languages and speaks French and German. She then spent several years working in the financial services sector. A career change led to an MSc in Gastronomy, work experience at a winery in the Mosel Valley in Germany and at a Scottish Whisky distillery before joining Majestic Wine as a trainee manager. She completed her WSET Level 3 and subsequently her Diploma. When not working, Jemma can be found up a Munro, on her bike or discovering new food and wine on her travels. 

  • Tom Faulkner
    Buying Assistant

    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.

  • Ousi Li
    Head of Merchandising & Customer Experience

    Ousi’s career began in tech, though after two harvests in California and courses in viticulture and enology, she followed her passion into wine. She worked for six years at the US-based retailer Flatiron Wines, in a range of marketing and buying roles, before joining us. She holds a MSc from the London School of Economics and a B.A. from Wellesley College in Psychology. Ousi stays active outdoors climbing mountains and indoors with crosswords and cooking. Her favourite wine is grower Champagne, and she worked the 2022 harvest there. Ousi holds the WSET Diploma, and is currently studying for her Master of Wine. 

  • Steffan Griffiths
    Global Ambassador

    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

  • Amy Williams
    Marketing Manager

    Amy has been part of the Marketing team since April 2023, following a number of years in the property industry, most recently at the Cadogan Estate in Chelsea. A career change led her to Lay & Wheeler, shortly after completing the WSET Level 3, and she’s enjoying getting to know everything about a brand new (to her!) industry. When not at work, Amy enjoys being with friends, hanging out with her Border Terrier, and could happily make a sport out of just pottering about. To counteract the wine (ideally something fresh and white, or Champagne) she is an enthusiastic but terrible runner.

  • Lauren Jones
    Buying Assistant

    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!

Customer Care

  • Issy Cooper
    Head of Customer Care

    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.

  • Tara Lingley
    Customer Care Team Leader

    Tara joins us building on a lifelong love of all things creative and helping others. She studied art and design at college in Cambridge then went travelling around New Zealand, Australia and Indonesia for two years. She has enjoyed a variety of pursuits from running her own wedding cake business to being a support assistant for a vision-impaired student at the local primary school (she is even qualified to read and teach Braille). After taking some time to look after her two children, and along the way fossil hunting, baking, foraging, and paddleboarding, Tara is now with us to look after our clients and learn more about the wine industry.

  • Ksenia Hammerton
    Customer Care Advisor

    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.

  • Tracey Claydon
    Customer Care Advisor

    Tracey brings 22 years of experience working at Barclays Bank to our customer care team, where she most enjoys helping customers. She also has experience working as a manager at an estate agent and as the assistant to a financial advisor. Tracey is qualified in British Sign Language. When she’s not assisting our clients, she enjoys travelling and socialising with her family and friends.

  • Jo Nuttall
    Customer Care Advisor

    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.

  • Lucy Cook
    Customer Care Advisor

    Lucy joined the Customer Care team in August 2024, having previously spent two years completing an apprenticeship with Ipswich Borough Council, learning everything about housing and gaining an NVQ in the process. She now plans to enroll in the WSET programme to gain a more indepth knowledge on wine. When she’s not helping our customers, Lucy loves watching films and spending time with friends and family. She’s a keen traveller, and enjoys using her photography skills to record her travels around the world. 

Finance

  • Sarka Karafiatova
    Financial Accounts Manager

    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.

  • Shayla Wardley
    FP&A Manager

    Shayla joined Lay & Wheeler in April 2023 as Financial Planning and Analysis Manager. She holds AAT and ACCA qualifications, obtaining the former in 2009 and the latter in 2012. Before joining Lay & Wheeler, she spent 19 years within a multinational corporation in the port industry. She brings experience in budgeting, forecasting, and providing finance partnering to different departments of the business. Outside of work she enjoys keeping active - and chasing after her two sons. She also has an affinity for Right Bank Bordeaux, particularly St-Emilion.

  • Joni Bennie
    Finance Coordinator

    Joni joined Lay & Wheeler in September 2020 as Finance Assistant. Originating from South Africa, she moved to Wales before settling in England in 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in community and health psychology, but soon realised her passion for numbers and completed her AAT in 2023. When she is not in the office, she enjoys reading a good book or spending time in nature.

  • Agnieszka Gregorczyk
    Finance Coordinator

    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.

  • Adam Taylor
    Assistant Accountant

    Adam is based in Ipswich and joined our Finance Team in September 2023, and is currently undergoing his accountancy qualifications, having just completed Level 4 AAT - he loves the analytical, reporting side of the job. He hopes to learn more about wine by starting the WSET journey at some stage, but is prioritising his accountancy training for now. Outside of work, he loves gaming - whether video games, board games, card games, even escape rooms!

Technology

  • Rick Terry
    Head of Systems

    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.

     

  • Gordon Clelland
    Head of Technology

    Gordon joined Lay & Wheeler as Head of IT in September 2023. Prior to this, he held senior leadership roles at BBC Worldwide and Sony, leading several large-scale projects. Since joining us, Gordon has spearheaded key improvements in the technology landscape, across our London and Suffolk sites. He is excited to have joined L&W at a pivotal time for the business. He is a devoted football fan with a strong passion for both watching and attending Liverpool matches, and he particularly enjoy the experience with a glass of champagne, which adds to the enjoyment of the occasion.

  • Mikki Lech
    Business Change Support

    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. 

  • Fazil Abdul
    Support Engineer

    Fazil originally hails from India, but he relocated to the UK for university, completing an Msc in Cyber Security at Swansea University in 2023. He joined Lay & Wheeler in 2024, and has proven himself invaluable to the team in tackling many of our IT challenges head on. When he’s not at work, he loves getting out on his motorcycle, enjoying the freedom of the open road. He also has a strong passion for cooking and trying out new recipes, and enjoys gaming or watching movies with friends when he’s looking to unwind.

Operations

  • Keeley Brickwood
    Supply Chain Manager

    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!

  • Samantha Bullard
    Supply Chain Team Leader

    Samantha joined Lay & Wheeler in December 2023, having spent four years in high end hospitality followed by eight years in the wine trade, working for Majestic and small independent merchants. She loves the day-to-day challenges that come up in her role, as well as being able to use her wine knowledge wherever possible (she has completed her WSET Level 3 and hopes to continue this education). Outside of work, Samantha can be found sailing, skiing or cycling - anything outdoors! And all rewarded with a glass of white Burgundy or an Italian red.  

  • Cameron Willett
    Shipping Coordinator

    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. 

  • Michael Duncumb
    Stock Controller
  • Elliot Coleman-Jonaitis
    Stock Controller (on Maternity Leave)

    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.

  • Mags Kuznicki
    Supply Chain Coordinator

    Mags has been part of the Supply Chain team at Lay & Wheeler since December 2023. Originally from Poland, she holds a Diploma in Environmental Technology, and worked as technician for Suffolk-based brewer Muntons prior to joining Lay & Wheeler. She loves the daily challenges that her job presents: the team is always busy, so she relaxes by going to the gym, or spending time with family - ideally over a glass of Rioja.