The team
Get to know us
THE TEAM
Paul Smith - Non Executive chairman
Paul’s affinity with fine wine started in the late 80’s at Les Roches Hotel School in Crans Montana, Switzerland. After spending time in hotels in Geneva, Cannes and London in the 90’s, Paul’s entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to successfully launch his own conference business in 1998, Octopus Communications, which has hosted 235 conferences and events in 35 countries. In 2013 he merged the business with Touch Associates, one of the largest event management companies in the UK, where he retains a position on the Board. Since 2001, Paul has also developed a significant UK property portfolio as well as being a keen collector of classic cars (notably factory built Aston Martins), rare coins, porcelain, fine wine (of course), and a significant art collection by the renowned Irish painter Charles Lamb. Paul is also an investor in many media projects such as TV productions, The Wine Show & The Classic Car Show produced by Infinity Creative Media. When not exploring new projects or pondering whether he could have been a successful prop forward, Paul likes nothing more than driving one of his classic cars between his homes in London and Bath. Despite numerous close shaves, he remains one of London’s most eligible bachelors and often consoles himself of this fact with a glass of his favourite Pol Roger Champagne!
Reece Clarke - director
Reece spent his early career in hospitality management during the explosion of London’s bar and restaurant scene in the early 90’s. After two years with Metropole and Hilton Hotels, in 1993 he joined Harvey Nichols Restaurants in Knightsbridge for six years, followed by the launch of Hush in Mayfair in 1999, and wine boutique La Cave in 2001, as principal wine and spirits buyer for both businesses. Reece joined Financial Services in 2003, initially organising corporate hospitality events for a Mayfair finance house, then leaving to establish his own financial services brokerage, Strategic Alliance Partners LLP in 2010. Reece has been a passionate fine wine Burgundy collector for over two decades. He possesses an encyclopaedic knowledge and love for the great wines of Burgundy and has developed some excellent longstanding relationships within the fine wine trade prior to co-founding SMW in 2016. Reece is based in London and is the principal buyer for SMW, responsible for the UK, US and European markets. When not organising tastings, spending time with his family or island hopping in Greece, Reece can sometimes be found in his local wine bar, The Arches in Swiss Cottage.
Email Reece at reece@sellmywine.co.uk
Daniel Haigh - director
Daniel is a highly experienced fine wine professional having worked through all levels of the wine trade during the last 20+ years. Daniel spent six years with industry giants John Armit and Bibendum, gaining further experience with Wine Networks, part of the larger SK Group, South Korea’s fourth largest conglomerate and a Fortune 500 company. In 2012, he co-founded peer to peer fine wine trading exchange Cavex. Having worked extensively on both the customer and warehouse facing sides of the business, Daniel has gained the ability to understand the relationships required to ensure the smooth delivery of product and the satisfaction in providing a detailed service to the end client. Based in Sydney, Australia, Daniel principally looks after home markets and Asia Pacific including Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia and Singapore. Daniel holds the WSET levels 2 and 3 qualifications and is the principal contact with our institutional buyers. When not exploring Australia’s numerous vineyards and rugged landscape, Daniel and his wife can be found enjoying the delights of Sydney’s burgeoning waterfront restaurant scene.
Email Daniel at daniel@sellmywine.co.uk
daniel Bent - Non executive Finance director
Daniel advises and aides Sell My Wine through his 20 year experience in the Finance industry. Currently leading a boutique FX trading business in Sydney, SMW utilises Daniel’s experience and contacts within Asian markets with his solid understanding for all currency and financial related analysis.
oxana Clarke - logistics
An integral part of our business, Oxana provides part time, daily and key back office operational support to the team. She keeps inventory moving, payments flowing and clients informed of stock status whilst liaising with our warehouses and various other third party providers.