Vagabond, the wine bar business that boasts more than 100 wines for customers to explore and self-pour by the glass, has announced four senior hires as it bolsters its leadership team to position the chain for future growth and expansion.
The changes, a combination of promotions and new appointments, are designed to help Vagabond secure properties for new bars, successfully launch in new locations, and attract new customers.
Firstly, Vagabond has hired Jack Merrylees as its new Head of Marketing and PR, effective from 3rd March. Jack joins the business from Balfour, where he served as Group Marketing and PR Director across its Winery and Hospitality operations. Prior to joining Balfour in May 2023, Jack spent more than 10 years at Vagabond owner Majestic Wine, beginning his career in the retailer’s stores and progressing to become Head of Content, Brand and PR.
Patrick Rummens has made a similar switch from Majestic to Vagabond, taking on the newly created position of Head of Property. Patrick spent nine years at Majestic in a number of property roles, serving as Head of Asset Management since 2022. Having been working closely with Vagabond over the past few months, Patrick has now joined the team on a permanent basis, with overall responsibility for identifying and acquiring new sites across the UK.
Vagabond has promoted Sarah Cavill to Head of Operations. Sarah has 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, spanning management roles at Browns Restaurants, Le Pain Quotidien and Villandry. She joined Vagabond in 2019, and opened its Monument, Shoreditch and Birmingham bars in her previous role as Operations and Openings Manager. Sarah’s promotion sees her move into the role vacated by Christobell Giles, who was named as Vagabond’s new Managing Director last year.
Vagabond has also re-hired Phil Holby, who returns to the wine bar business as Openings and Operations Manager. Phil’s hospitality career started as a busboy at Browns Restaurant in Bristol, and spans more than two decades at companies including Laurel & Regent Inns, Walkabout owner Intertain and Stonegate Pub Company, which acquired Intertain in 2016. Phil joined Vagabond in 2022, but moved to Airport Retail Enterprises last year following the closure of Vagabond’s airport bars in Heathrow and Gatwick, where Phil had served as General Manager.
The appointments underscore the fresh focus and investment at Vagabond following its acquisition by Majestic in April 2024. The UK’s largest specialist wine retailer acquired Vagabond in April 2024, securing the futures of nine wine bars and 171 jobs. Majestic plans to invest in Vagabond’s long-term future, including opening new wine bars, growing the brand’s customer base and furthering the wine education of its expert teams. Vagabond comes into 2025 with strong trading momentum, having grown like-for-like sales 16.3% in six weeks to 23rd December, and invested in an extensive refurbishment of its popular bar at Battersea Power Station.
Vagabond managing director Christobell Giles said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Jack, Patrick and Phil to team Vagabond, and to see Sarah progress into her expanded new role. I’m looking forward to working with them all during this exciting chapter for the business as we accelerate our growth plans throughout 2025 and beyond.
“The re-opening of our revamped bar in Battersea later this month is just the start of a pivotal year for us, and I can’t wait to introduce even more new customers to Vagabond’s knowledgeable, passionate teams, and our unique explore and self-pour wine bar experience.”
