Majestic appoints former Sainsbury’s buyer

Julie Buckley, a Spanish wine expert and former buyer for Sainsbury’s and Oddbins, has joined UK wine retailer Majestic as senior buyer.

Buckley joined the team on 6 August and is now responsible for the New Zealand, Spain and Burgundy portfolios.

Richard Weaver, buying and merchandising director at Majestic, said that Buckley’s eight years at Oddbins and seven at Sainsbury’s made her the ideal candidate for the job, particularly as Majestic is moving towards own-label and parcel buying.

Weaver said: “There’s nothing Julie doesn’t know about Spanish wine, this will be her third senior position buying the category.”

“That, coupled with her dynamic approach and industry expertise, made her the ideal candidate. I’m delighted to have her on board and can’t wait to see how she takes our range forward.”

In addition, Joe Aylmer has been promoted from buying assistant to buyer and will take responsibility for South America, the Rhône, Portugal, fortified wines and magnums.

Buckley’s appointment is the latest in a series of moves at Majestic, with Cat Lomax joining as head buyer a few months ago but with several senior directors leaving around the same time.