Vagabond Wines Names New Managing Director

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Vagabond Wines appoints Christobell Giles as Managing Director, aiming for growth and innovation after its acquisition by Majestic Wine. Exciting future ahead!

A New Era for Vagabond Wines

Vagabond Wines has recently appointed Christobell Giles as its new Managing Director. This change marks a significant moment for the wine bar business, especially after its acquisition by Majestic Wine. The transition comes after Vagabond was rescued from administration earlier this year, ensuring the future of its nine wine bars and 171 jobs.

Giles has been with Vagabond since March 2023, initially serving as operations director. Her promotion follows a rigorous recruitment process led by Majestic’s Board. This decision reflects the confidence the Board has in her capabilities and vision for the brand.

In her new role, Giles aims to leverage her extensive experience in the hospitality sector. She has previously worked with notable companies like Wagamama and Hilton Hotels. Her leadership is expected to drive Vagabond’s growth strategy and enhance its food and beverage offerings.

Christobell Giles: A Leader with Vision

Christobell Giles brings a wealth of experience to her new position. Her background in hospitality includes significant roles that have shaped her understanding of the industry. This experience will be crucial as she leads Vagabond into its next chapter.

Giles expressed her excitement about her new role, emphasizing the passionate teams at Vagabond. She believes that the brand is well-positioned for ambitious growth. Her focus will be on expanding the wine bar portfolio across the UK and implementing a new customer relationship management (CRM) program.

Moreover, Giles will prioritize staff recruitment and development. She understands that a motivated team is essential for delivering exceptional customer experiences. By investing in her team, she aims to foster a culture of excellence within Vagabond.

The Future of Vagabond Wines

The future looks promising for Vagabond Wines under Giles’ leadership. The brand is poised for growth, especially with the backing of Majestic Wine. This partnership has already led to the opening of 20 new stores and an expansion of the B2B division.

John Colley, CEO of Majestic, highlighted Giles as the "stand-out choice" for the role. He praised her contributions to Vagabond and her ability to take on additional responsibilities. Colley looks forward to collaborating with her to achieve the brand’s growth objectives.

As Vagabond Wines embarks on this new journey, the focus will be on innovation and customer engagement. With a clear vision and a dedicated team, the brand is set to thrive in the competitive hospitality landscape. The next few years will be crucial in shaping Vagabond’s identity and success.

Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash

Source: Harpers – Vagabond Wines appoints new MD