Sykes named new Wine Society head buyer

Tim Sykes has been announced as the new head of buying for The Wine Society.

Sykes, who is currently buying director at Enotria, will take over the position from Sebastian Payne MW in March next year, although Payne will stay on as part-time buyer for the mail-order merchant.

Sykes has worked for many years with The Wine Society’s buying team and already has direct relationships with several of its suppliers.

From March next year Sykes will lead the company’s buying team, which includes Mark Buckenham, Joanna Locke MW, Pierre Mansour, Toby Morrhall and Marcel Orford-Williams.

Sebastian Payne MW has been at The Society for 38 years and at the head of the buying team for 26 years.

While stepping back from the lead role, he will continue to buy for the merchant and work three days a week.

“We very much welcome Tim to our team and are confident that his understanding of The Wine Society and our ethos, combined with his experience, expertise and dynamic approach will ensure that The Society remains at the forefront of the country’s wine merchants,” said Sarah Evans, chairman of The Wine Society.

“We are happy that we are not saying goodbye to Sebastian. He will remain on the buying team, working three days a week and will continue to make a valued contribution to The Society’s portfolio in his inimitable style,” she added.

Sykes said, “I am thrilled to be taking up the position of head of buying at The Wine Society, a unique organisation for which I have the highest regard; its focus on quality and member satisfaction, its loyalty to suppliers and the integrity with which it conducts business are unparalleled in the UK wine trade.”