The Team
Rob Nichols - Managing Director
Over 24 years experience , having worked in different roles within a major UK multiple for 20 years covering retailing, buying, logistics, and project management in the UK and France before leaving and setting up WOPI in 2006. Has a passion for the beers, wines and spirits categories and the opportunities for these categories worldwide.
Contact me at rob@worldofpatria.com
Skype me at rob.worldofpatria
Andy Butcher - Director
Over 31 years experience in both the On and Off Trade sectors of Travel Retail industry across UK and Europe. Came through the ranks in UK Ferry companies ending up as Category Manager responsible for the purchasing of Beer, Wines, Spirits and Tobacco. Crossed to the "dark side" and became a supplier in 2004 where I ran the Travel Retail Sales Department of a major global wine company. Joined WOPI in 2007 and soon realised that the World is a very small place.
Contact me at andy@worldofpatria.com
Skype me at andy.worldofpatria
Steve Smith - Director
After spending all my working life to date in the Motor Industry,progressing from the "Saturday morning van cleaner to Directorship level representing Marques such as Renault, Peugeot and Mercedes, I jumped at the opportunity presented to me by Rob and Andy to become GM and work within an industry which caters for one of my other pleasures in life, and I am loving every minute of it. (Lets face it, who wouldn't ?). Although still on a massive learning curve, over 30 years experience in Retail & Trade Sales specialising in Stock Management & Logistics has stood me in good stead to take on the role and being a committed sportsman and coach over the years has given me a team ethos that I hope I have brought to the new offices in Lamberhurst.
Contact me at steve@worldofpatria.com
Skype me at steve.worldofpatria
Kevin Baker - Director
I've sold a variety of product categories during my 30 year career, including spirits, wine, beer, cosmetics and fragrance, and confectionery (among others less glamorous!). With nearly 20 years spent in the Travel Retail channel, rising to the dizzy heights of Global Key Accounts Director for leading spirits Brand owners, I know a thing or two about the business. And now I'm putting that experience to use for other Brand owners that want to improve their Brands' presence in the world's airports, airlines, ferries, border stores, etc. WOPI provides an ideal base from which to do that, and I'm very excited about the opportunity.
Contact me at kevin@worldofpatria.com
Skype me at Kevin.worldofpatria
Follow me on Twitter @KevinBHBaker
John Raynes - Accounts Administrator
From the ground up ...... trainee accountant to financial controller with nearly 40 years hands on experience in all aspects of the accounts function, in various industries including electricity supply, printing, packaging and leisure.
Contact me at john@worldofpatria.com
Skype me at john.worldofpatria
Martina Omastova - Accounts Administrator
A complete 'novice' in Travel Retail, Duty Free & Border Shopping, however, learning quickly all the tricks and details. Has been as a part of the team for over a year, born in Czech Republic but slowly settling down in England. A self confident and diplomatic Finance Assistant with good attention to detail with basic knowledge of Spanish and German.
Contact me at martina@worldofpatria.com
Skype me at martina.worldofpatria
Roger Morley - watch this space
After studying business and accounts for over 3 years, upon finishing my studies I started search for a job, World of Patria offered me a unique opportunity to kick-start my career, having no experience in duty free and travel retail it will be a challenge learning the trade, but with a desire for success and willingness to work hard, progression should take its path.
Contact me at roger@worldofpatria.com
Skype me at roger.worldofpatria