Waitrose team reshuffle

The Waitrose wine department has undergone a major personnel reshuffle.

The changes follow the appointment of Pierpaolo Petrassi MW, who joins Waitrose in July from rival supermarket Tesco.

One of the most significant changes has been the promotion of Andrew Shaw to buying manager, wines – a role in which he will report directly to Petrassi.

In Shaw’s role of “overseeing the rest of the wine buyers,” Shaw continues his direct buying responsibilities for Australia and Italy.

Dee Blackstock MW remains responsible for Champagne, sparkling wine and New Zealand, while Nick Room adds South of France to his portfolio of Spain, Portugal, South America, rosé, fortified and alternative packaging.

Meanwhile, Ken Mackay MW will add the Rhône to his current regions and countries of Bordeaux, Loire, Alsace, Austria, South Africa and the US.

Mackay hands over the reins of English and Welsh wine to Matt Smith.

Smith, who has been assisting Blackstock for three years, has been promoted to trainee buyer and is now responsible for Burgundy, Beaujolais, UK, ‘other’ Europe and Kosher wine.

Norman Freeman, who has been with the supermarket for 21 years, becomes buying manager BST (beer, spirits and tobacco) and David Wyllyams is the supermarket’s beer buyer.

Jane Parkinson, 25.06.2010