TIMOTHY FORDHAM

I have rich and varied experience in the wine trade, primarily in sales, yet in Sales Director roles I have experience in buying, marketing and brand management. In addition, I have past experience as a sommelier and restaurant manager. 

Much of my experience is in the UK and Europe, I moved to the USA in 2023.

October 2023- Present

USA Sales Director, IG Wines

• Managing a team of salespeople based in both the USA and UK selling high end, investment grade wine and whisky to collectors and investors. 
• Part of senior management team, planning and implementing new sales structure, marketing plans, systems and website upgrades. 
• Managing my own client base of circa 400 people and turnover of $2m, and directing the team with a turnover of $15m. 
• Writing offers, setting marketing campaigns and direct selling to individuals for new releases including Bordeaux En Primeur futures, as well as trading client-owned wine and whisky. 

December 2021- Present

Founder and Owner of 9 Vines Enoteca

• Founded a wine shop and bar in Brighton, UK.
• An established, successful business with hundreds of loyal customers.

January 2020-July 2023

UK Sales Director, Liberty Wines

• Managing 4 UK-based teams totalling 36 salespeople with a combined revenue of £70m+ covering independent and small groups for both on and off premise. 
• Responsible for managing all aspects of the team: strategy, sales, recruitment, people management and profitability, working alongside buying, marketing, operations, and finance.
• Lead the setting and presentation of annual budgets for the UK sales team. 
• Development, training, and appraisal of all direct reports and across the UK team.

November 2016-January 2020

Head of London Sales, Liberty Wines

• Managing a team of sales people selling to a variety of on and off trade accounts in London. 
• Very strong year of year sales growth, always over 10%. Sales growth from circa £25m in 2016, to £38m in 2021.
• Continued to grow my own sales to over £4m, developing the Fine Wine Merchant channel exponentially. 
• Responsible for recruitment within the team, growing the team from 12 to 16 people and not losing anyone to a competitor. 

March 2011-November 2016

London Sales, Liberty Wines

• Managing portfolio of on and off trade accounts. 
• Year on year growth over 10% each year, growing customer revenue from £1m to £3m with over 120 unique customer accounts.
• Very strong record of customer retention and generating new business. 

October 2009-March 2011

General Manager, Montrachet Fine Wine Merchants (private client sector of Charles Taylor Wines)

• Private client sales from within the Charles Taylor portfolio and through Bordeaux & Burgundy En Primeur campaigns.  
• Management of highly successful 2009 Bordeaux en primeur campaign.
• Increased turnover in calendar year of 2010 by over 100% on 2009, with total over £1m.
• Organising and running of regular tastings and tasting dinners of varying size and description. 

2002-2005                   2:1 class BA Hons degree in English Literature at Exeter University