Laithwaite's appoints fine wine director

Laithwaite’s Wine has appointed Emma Roberts to the newly created role of group fine wine director.

Roberts is currently buying director at Averys of Bristol, the wine merchant business acquired by Tony Laithwaite in 2001. Roberts joined Averys over 15 years ago and took on her first buyers’ role in 2001.

From July 1, Roberts is to develop fine wine and champagne ranges for the Direct Wines group worldwide, as well as managing en primeur campaigns.

Averys has promoted buyer Jennie Perry to the role of head wine buyer.

Laithwaite’s Wine is part of Direct Wines, which claims to be the world's largest independent wine merchant with annual sales in excess of £340 million. Direct Wines currently has operations in the UK, US, Hong Kong, Australia and mainland Europe.