Vagabond brings in new managing director

A wine bar business that boasts more than 100 wines for customers to explore and self-pour by the glass has appointed a new managing director.

Vagabond Wines has promoted Christobell Giles (pictured) to the role, having served in the position of acting general manager since August.

Her appointment comes following a thorough recruitment process led by the board of Majestic Wine, which acquired Vagabond out of administration earlier this year.

Giles joined Vagabond in March 2023 as operations director, following posts at businesses including Wagamama, Hilton Hotels and Megan’s Restaurants. She has since been a member of Vagabond’s senior leadership team, overseeing operations across its nine wine bars in London and Birmingham, and the ongoing development of the brand’s food and beverage proposition. 

"I’m delighted to be taking on the role at an incredibly exciting point in the brand’s history," she says. "I’ve been a huge fan of Vagabond’s unique proposition since long before I joined the team in 2023, so the opportunity to lead the business is one I can’t wait to get started with.

"We have passionate and knowledgeable teams, great momentum and ambitious growth plans – all of which sets us up for a very bright future as part of the Majestic group."

Expansion is the aim

Giles will now take on overall responsibility for delivering Vagabond’s growth strategy, including the expansion of its wine bar portfolio across the UK, the implementation of its new CRM programme and investment in the recruitment, learning and development of its WSET-trained team.

Owner Majestic has been on a growth trajectory following its split from Naked Wines plc in December 2019 and subsequent acquisition by Fortress Investment Group. 

"I am really pleased to have appointed Christobell as Vagabond’s new managing director," adds John Colley, CEO of Majesti. "We have spoken to a number of excellent candidates for the role over the past few months, both internally and externally, and Christobell was the stand-out choice."

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