Waitrose adds new buyer

UK multiple retailer Waitrose has confirmed a new addition to its wine buying team.

From this month, Maria Elener will take on responsibility for wines from Italy, South Africa, the Loire, Eastern Europe and the “Rest of the World” category, which covers a number of emerging wine regions.

Elener initially joined the retailer in June, working for the Waitrose Wine Direct division. Having originally entered the wine industry in 1995 through Majestic’s graduate trainee scheme, her recent roles have been as a buyer for The Co-operative, as well as spending time with The Wine Society’s tasting and events team. She has also spent two years working in South America.

This latest move sees Elener join the eight-strong BWS team at Waitrose. Welcoming her to the team, wine buying manager Ken Mackay MW said: “She brings a wealth of commercial experience and a deep passion for wine with her. In her time at Waitrose Wine Direct she has made a real impact and I know she will be a huge asset to the Waitrose wine buying team.”