Thomas Hickman Email & Phone Number

United Arab Emirates

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Wine Buying Manager for the biggest alcohol distributor in the Middle East:Managing purchasing and sourcing of Fine Wine, Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Provence, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, Lebanon, Greece & EnglandLead, develop, plan & implement commercial & marketing plans & strategies which accelerate shareholder & agency growthEstablish & manage strong partnerships with key agencies including Champagne Louis Roederer, Champagne Taittinger, Treasury Wine Estates, Penfolds, Les Grands Chais de France, AdVini, Bouchard Pere et Fils, Domaines Ott*, MDCV Provence, Ferrari Lunelli Group, Marchesi Frescobaldi, Jermann, Cantina Terlano, Tenuta San Leonardo, Negociants International, Carolina Wine Brands, Vina Montes, Lapostolle, Catena Zapata, Bodega Norton, Achaval Ferrer, Kanonkop, Meerlust, Hamilton Russell, Simonsig, CVNE, La Rioja Alta, Alvaro Palacios, Bodegas Roda, Esporao, Taylor’s, Kir-Yianni & Domaine Sigalas.These partnerships are secured through successful negotiations of long-term distribution agreements with all partners.Track, Measure & analyse commercial metrics using KPI's as measures of success. Deliver additional avenues of profitable revenue growth through introducing new agencies & increasing presence in new channels such as e-Commerce, Duty Free, Non-Domestic, Route-to-Market.Develop appropriate marketing strategies for these market segments and work with the Wine and Sales teams to implement these strategies. Key successes have been triple-figure volume and revenue growth in the categories of Fine Wine, Provence Rosé, Italy and Spain in successive years.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Managing the Abu Dhabi Wine Sales Department for the biggest alcohol distributor in the Middle East.My role added value to the business by bringing focus to selling and marketing activities for the Wine portfolio, working closely with the sales team to grow the company’s wine market share and grow revenue in in the On-Trade Channel in Abu Dhabi. I also worked closely with the Wine Marketing team to build brand equity for these brands through appropriate trade marketing strategies.As part of an international drinks group, the company has over 300 global brand owners, a portfolio of world renowned brands and a strong customer base.

London, United Kingdom

Driving New Business Sales across South London. Considerable success in role as Key Account Manager meant promotion after 12 months in the role. Charged with bringing in £350k of New Business in South London, whilst still looking after £500k ofExisting Business. Underwent various sales training courses focused on Consultative Selling. Continued development as skilled negotiator and expert trainer and educator.

London, United Kingdom

Managing and developing on-trade sales opportunities for Majestic Commercial in South London.- Overseeing sales of beer, wines and spirits to over 100 different on-trade accounts, with an overallvalue of £1.45 million.- Main components of role were building rapport and loyalty of customers through aconsultative sales approach. Improving customers’ profitability and adding value through StaffTraining, Customer Events, Regular Wine List Reviews, and implementation of company initiatives.All components utilising my distinct expertise and experience within the industry.- Comfortably exceeded sales target, with overall Gross Profit 10% above target.- Exceeded New Business target by £130k- Strong control of Profit Margin, Gross Profit, Sales Targets, Samples Budgets and Customer Spending Patterns.

London