Lay & Wheeler has appointed James Kowszun (pictured) as managing director. The fine wine merchant, which is part of the Coterie Holdings Group, has also appointed new roles in its management and buying team. 

 

Kowszun is chief operating officer at Coterie Holdings. As managing director for Lay & Wheeler, he will lead the company’s strategy. He has previously held leadership roles at Bibendum and Leathams.

 

Further appointments include Alice Cave as sales director, who formerly held the role of head of private client sales after joining Lay & Wheeler from Berry Bros & Rudd in 2020. Catherine Jaën, who has been a wine buyer with the company since 2020, has been appointed buying director. Joining Lay & Wheeler is Robert Mathias, the world’s youngest Master of Wine, as senior wine buyer. Jemma Grant, a member of Lay & Wheeler’s buying team, has been promoted to wine buyer.

 

Overseeing the buying team will be Andrew Shaw, wine director for Coterie Holdings. Shaw joined Coterie in March 2024, have previously been head of trading, drinks for Marks and Spencer. 

 

Commenting on the new team, Michael Saunders, CEO of Coterie Holdings, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the new appointments to our management team. Their knowledge and expertise in premium fine wines will reinforce Lay & Wheeler’s leading credentials in delivering exceptional experiences to our customers around the globe.”