Meet the team

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.

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.

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 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. 

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 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’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 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 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 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.

Fran joined Lay & Wheeler in July 2025, as part of our Private Client Sales Team, having previously looked after Private Clients at Armit Wines. She holds her WSET Diploma (and occasionally shares this knowledge by teaching classes at West London Wine School), as well as the French, Italian and Spanish Wine Scholar qualifications. When at work, she loves helping clients discover new and interesting wines, while outside of work she can be found in the mountains, hiking, with a well-earned glass of Barolo at the end of the day.

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.

Georgia joined us to support our Private Client Sales Team in April 2025, following a brief career break travelling around New Zealand. Prior to her travels she spent some time working for Majestic and Jeroboams, and for WSET School. She enjoys the challenges that the job presents every day, in a varied role that covers organising events, meeting winemakers, helping clients to build their cellars and everything else in between. When she’s not working with our Sales Team, she can be found swimming at her local pool, or indulging a passion for cooking dishes which pair brilliantly with her favourite wines: champagne and Californian Cab Sauv. 

Samantha joined Lay & Wheeler in December 2023, starting in the Supply Chain team, and moving to Private Client Sales Support in 2025. She previously 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.  

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 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.

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. 

Harry joined Lay & Wheeler in July 2025 as our new Buying Assistant. He began his working life in commodity trading, before he realised it would be more fun if he had a career doing something he loved! Wine was the obvious choice and, since this epiphany, he has worked for Charles Taylor Wines and Enotria & Coe, across a variety of roles. He is excited to join Lay & Wheeler at a time of growth for the business, and can’t wait to get stuck into the portfolio. Outside of work, he’s a keen sportsman, and loves cooking and pairing wines. His favourite wine is Château Leoville Barton.

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.

Fanqi Yang joined Lay & Wheeler in April 2025 in a new role of Digital Marketing Executive. Originally from Shanghai, she studied Art History at the University of St Andrews, and subsequently at UCL, where she completed her Masters. She brings a wealth of experience in digital marketing, across a range of industries, and hopes to use this to help make wine more accessible and engaging to a broader audience, also putting her WSET Level 2 to good use. Outside of work, she loves cooking, experimenting with British ingredients to recreate Chinese dishes. Accompanying these feasts, she loves a Gewurztraminer and those rose and lychee aromas!

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.

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.

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!

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. 

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.

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!

Eszter is originally from Hungary, from a small village where she had her own vineyard, and this is where her passion for wine started. She has a diploma in banking and finance solutions, and a certificate in team leading and marketing management, all of which contributed to her past roles, including in commercial banking. Eszter enjoys spending time with her family, especially on the Suffolk beaches, and also has her own epoxy business, making jewellery, trays and coasters. She also has a cat, named Marshmallow.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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 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.