LEE EVANS: Co-founder & Managing Director

Lee grew-up immersed in a family business and always wanted to start his own. During the latter stages of his 25-year career in the hospitality and drinks industry he travelled often to Argentina with Maria and they began to realise there was enormous potential for the wines in the UK.

“Argentina has a passion for food and wine, so often we found ourselves eating copious amounts of beef and drinking some very good wines. We noticed that many of these wines were not represented in the UK and that there was an increasing level of interest in wines from across the South American region. This insight coupled with our experience within the industry was the catalyst to creating ‘Condor Wines’”

Lee’s focus is Purchasing, Sales and Marketing.

MARIA EVANS: Co-founder & Director

Maria was born and spent her formative years in Buenos Aires and like most people in Argentina (it’s the 7th largest wine market in the World) she has grown up enjoying the wines. In 1997 Maria came to the UK and worked within the hotel and tourism industry, later she worked for leading pub and restaurant operator Mitchells & Butlers.

Maria’s focus is Finance and Purchasing.

AARON IRONS: Sales and Category Development Manager

Aaron has worked in the wine trade since 2007; previously he had been a Secondary School Science Teacher – many have commented the former job did indeed ‘drive him to drink!’ Getting his break selling fine wine to private customers at Avery’s in Bristol, he moved over to work with independent, DBM Wines, also in Bristol before B2B-focused roles followed at Flint Wines and subsequently Sogrape UK, looking after National Accounts. An opportunity arose to work in a different market entirely, and after two surreal years selling fine wine to an international customer base in Dubai, Aaron returned to the UK, joining Condor in Autumn 2019. Alongside his commercial experience, Aaron also holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines & Spirits.

Based in Kent, his main focus is supporting customers in the Southern region, but he also assists the business with developing and promoting the Condor portfolio.

RACHEL HOLLIS: Key Account Manager

Rachel began her career at Oddbins (like many in the industry) and then worked in the wine trade whilst travelling in Australia and New Zealand, another area of the Southern Hemisphere wine world. After two years at Caxton Tower Wines, she joined Matthew Clark working her way up from Sales Account Manager in Kent and Sussex to Premium Wine Manager in the Midlands and finally to National Accounts for 12 years. Her most recent role in the trade was a temporary contract with DGB UK (South African Winery) managing customers in wholesale and off-trade/independent retailers. Rachel decided to learn Spanish many years ago and always dreamed of visiting South America, so she will be well equipped when she gets a chance to visit!

She joined Condor Wines in August 2023 and is Key Account Manager for the Midlands and North of England, Devon and Cornwall.

MARK JEFFRIES: Regional Manager

After 25 years in the corporate world Mark decided on a change of career direction. He worked as a management consultant whilst completing his WSET qualifications and then as a Brand Ambassador for an independent wine merchant and shipper before joining Condor Wines. He’s now a WSET-qualified trainer and is very proud of his 100% pass rate. Last year he was also one of the professional judges for the People’s Choice Wine Awards.

Mark has visited many wine regions around the world, including spending three weeks in Argentina which made him particularly passionate about wines from that country. Living in Cheshire, he’s well located to support Condor’s customers in the North and Scotland.

ALAN PLATTS: Business Development Manager

Alan developed an interest in wine when working as a real ale buyer and sharing an office with a wine buyer. His passion for wine grew through studies (and tastings) that took him to WSET Diploma level. After spending a year in Russia, he joined Ehrmanns and then DGB in wine roles that lasted over 20 years. After time spent as an agent for an Italian producer, he now divides his time between supporting Condor’s national customers and pursuing his other passion in life: golf!

ROB BURNARD: Operations Executive

Rob has spent the last 6 years in hospitality, mostly focused on the craft beer sector. From roles managing bars, to operations and supply chain, he has a wealth of experience in the drinks industry. Rob felt like he was ready to build on his beer category experience and pursue his growing interest in wine. In August 2021, he joined Condor Wines as Operations Executive, responsible for overseeing the entire supply chain, and is currently undertaking his Level 2 WSET qualification.

LINDA SMITH: Accounts Administrator

After spending 13 years working as a Teaching Assistant, Linda decided on a career change and began her accounting training in 2015. She completed her Advanced Diploma in Accounts in 2017 and is a member of the Association of Accounting Technicians. After gaining experience in the manufacturing sector, she joined Condor as an Accounts Administrator in March 2022. She is responsible for all customer invoicing and credit control.