Lea & Sandeman appoints new co-director

Katie Sandeman has been appointed co-director of independent London wine merchant Lea & Sandeman following the tragic death of her husband Patrick Sandeman in September.

The late Patrick Sandeman (left) and Charles Lea. Credit: Will Lyons. 

“I’m delighted that Katie has accepted to become my co-director. She joined at the start and has always been an integral part of the company,” said L&S director Charles Lea.

“Katie is indispensable, keeping tight control of cash-flow and accounts. Together we look forward to taking Lea & Sandeman to new heights,” he added.

In her new role as co-director, Katie will remain closely involved in the day-to-day management of the company.

Patrick Sandeman died in a skydiving accident in Cambridge in September, aged 53.

On hearing the news, tributes quickly flooded in from all over the wine world for Sandeman, a hugely popular member of the trade.

“A very bright light has been extinguished,” wrote Jancis Robinson MW on her website, describing Sandeman as “a total ornament to the British wine trade.”

A member of the Sandeman Port family, Sandeman established Lea & Sandeman with Charles Lea in 1988.

The company owns four stores in Chelsea, Kensington, Barnes and Chiswick.