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WHO WE ARE
Guided by experience, driven by connection
Encountr’s team brings unparalleled industry knowledge and a career of cultivating genuine encounters, uniting networks that share the values of living life as a work of art.
David Alexander
CEO & CO-FOUNDER
David is the visionary founder of Encountr, orchestrating unforgettable wine experiences. With a rich background in hospitality and global travel, coupled with a decade of expertise in the wine industry, David curates unique moments that celebrate the art of winemaking. His passion for connecting people through exceptional wines and fine dining has made him a thought leader in the culinary world.
Valérie C. Whitacre
COO & CO-FOUNDER
Valérie leads the strategy and operations at Encountr, having partnered with David from the outset. With over 15 years' experience leading strategy and sales in the Fine Art sector, she envisions and leads bespoke collaborations and opportunities for Encountr's clients and partners.
Mathieu Germond
HEAD OF DINING
Mathieu opened Noizé in early 2017, having spent much of his career at nearby Pied à Terre, both as sommelier and general manager. He possesses a deep knowledge of wine and cuisine, an extensive culinary pedigree, a precise palate and an unwavering commitment to customer excellence.
Lucy Mackenzie-Cheesewright
HEAD OF EVENTS
Lucy has earned an international reputation for her creative vision and strategic expertise within the luxury brand sector. She has meticulously crafted luxury shows from the ground up, elevating them into globally celebrated annual events. With extensive connections in the industry, Lucy provides an exceptional level of service, deeply understanding each brand’s unique needs and delivering bespoke, innovative concepts and exquisitely targeted activations.
The investors behind Encountr
Andrew has worked in the Financial Services Industry for over 40 years across investment management, risk management and client distribution, most recently as Global Chief Investment Officer at Fidelity International.
Andrew loves wine, having been an avid collector for several decades and is an active investor across the wine and hospitality sectors.
He currently advises a number of start-up, early growth and mature companies across the traditional financial, DeFi and FinTech sectors.
Alex holds a first class degree in Physics from Imperial College London and so far has spent his 15 year career engrossed in financial markets, resulting in leading a team of investment professionals focused on macroeconomic trends as Senior Portfolio Manager at Citadel.
Alex has a particular interest in wine, especially from the Northern Rhone region.
Thanks to a traditional education, Benoit’s interest in wine started at an early age. Since then, he became a French wine ambassador recognized by traders, brokers and shipowners he met throughout his international career in Shipping.
Recently relocated from Copenhagen to London, he was convinced by David's vision as they both share the value that wine is, above all, an experience you drink with the people you love.
Steve has spent his career in the energy and commodity markets in a wide range of roles covering proprietary trading and infrastructure investment, including time at The Tudor Group and Goldman Sachs.
Steve is currently Partner for European Power Infrastructure & Renewables at Hartree Partners.
Sam is a Senior Analyst and Head of Research for Global Industries at Bloomberg Intelligence and also specializes in global pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Fazeli has over 27 years of experience conducting equity research including work at Nomura International and HSBC. Prior to Bloomberg, Sam worked at Piper Jaffray as a pharma analyst and Head of European Research.Before transitioning to investment banking, Sam was a research scientist, received a BSc from Cardiff University and a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of London.
Just a handful of the friends and partners which make up Encountr's network
Laurent Perrier
Gaja
Domaine Evremond
Louis Jadot
Michel Chapoutier
Hatch
Mansfield
London Truffle Queen
Kings Fine Foods
Maria Agra
Angela Hartnett OBE
Pol Roger
The Fine Cheese Company
CVNE
Errazuriz
Casanova Di Neri
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Tor Vinyards
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