Xenia Irwin, MW

Xenia Irwin is joining Waitrose as online wine buyer

Waitrose is beefing up its online wine business by appointing a new dedicated online wine buyer.

Xenia Irwin MW, who previously worked as commercial manager at ABS Wine Agencies, joins as the new multi-channel beers, wines & spirits buyer for Waitrose Wines Direct. Starting in December, her role will be based in the wine-buying team although she will work closely with e-commerce.

She is one of two new masters of wine appointed by the retailer. 

Liam Steevenson will take on responsibility for Australia, Burgundy, New Zealand and Regional France in November. Steevenson, who won the Waitrose scholarship for the Master of Wine program in 2002, joins from independent wine merchant Red & White and previously worked at Armit Wines, Bibendum and Majestic. He replaces Matt Smith, who is joining Bibendum as New World buying manager.

Meanwhile Maria Elener has moved internally to take on Italy, South Africa, the Loire and Eastern Europe. She replaces Katie Mollet, who moved to Morrisons in September.