Vagabond’s Growth Strategy
In a bold step to further its growth, Vagabond, the wine bar chain owned by Majestic, has made several significant appointments to its senior leadership team.
Leading the charge is Jack Merrylees, who joins as the head of marketing and public relations.
These personnel changes come as Vagabond, which currently boasts nine locations across the UK, aims to extend its reach even further.
New Appointments and Their Roles
Merrylees brings a wealth of experience to his new role, transitioning from Balfour, where he held the position of group marketing and PR director across both the winery and hospitality sectors.
Notably, he spent ten fruitful years at Majestic Wine, the parent company of Vagabond, where he honed his expertise.
Alongside Merrylees, Vagabond has appointed Patrick Rummens to the newly established position of head of property.
Rummens, who has spent nine years managing various properties at Majestic, will play a crucial role as the brand looks to identify and develop new retail spaces.
Sarah Cavill, with a rich history of thirty years in the hospitality industry, has been promoted to head of operations.
Her extensive background includes leadership roles at Browns Restaurants and Le Pain Quotidien, and she has already made her mark at Vagabond by overseeing successful openings in Monument, Shoreditch, and Birmingham.
Moreover, Vagabond has brought back Phil Holby as the openings and operations manager, a position he previously held before Cavill’s promotion.
His return is poised to streamline operations as the brand pushes ahead with its expansion.
Future Directions
Christobell Giles, Vagabond’s managing director, expressed her excitement regarding the new appointments, emphasizing their potential to drive the company’s ambitious growth objectives.
She’s looking forward to collaborating with the fresh talent in this invigorating stage of Vagabond’s evolution.
Originally founded in 2010 by entrepreneur Stephen Finch in Fulham, Vagabond transformed from a small wine shop into a thriving group with nine locations spanning London and Birmingham.
Following its acquisition by Majestic in April 2024, the brand is now setting its sights on further regional expansion across the UK.
What sets Vagabond apart in the crowded wine bar scene is its innovative approach, including self-service machines that allow guests to enjoy a selection of over 100 wines by the glass, enhancing the overall experience.
Source: Harpers
