Emma Hunt

Learning not to be governed by other people’s opinions. I was once told, “You’re lucky you got this job – normally I only hire from Oxbridge.” It stayed with me. Over time, I learned that curiosity, consistency and empathy matter more than pedigree. I had to stop measuring myself through other people’s assumptions and trust my own judgement instead. As in wine, not every pairing works – and that is true of people too.

I have been incredibly fortunate in the women who have supported me. At LVMH, Agathe Tissié and Aliette Duquesne developed me and strengthened my confidence. Later, at a Ruinart tasting I hosted, I met my lifelong mentor, Lisa Tse, founder of The Sorority. She invited me for drinks afterwards and understood exactly how significant that moment of inclusion was. She continues to lift me up. When I later joined my husband, Charlie, in the family business at Thorman Hunt, Lisa helped shape how we express who we are today, refreshing our website and communications so they better reflect our values.

Queena Wong’s work through Curious Vines feels genuinely exciting. The generosity and emotional intelligence in how she shares information feels like a meaningful shift in our industry. I am inspired by female leadership across the industry, from Emma at Claridge’s and Jeri at Dorian to Nat at Decanter. Closer to home, I am proud of the women across our team at Thorman Hunt, from client-facing roles to the office. Leadership in wine is not only visible on the floor, but also equally present back of house. 

What also excites me is stewardship, how family businesses and growers move through generational transition while staying true to who they are. As Thorman Hunt continues into its next chapter, Charlie and I feel immense pride in what Jeremy, Charlie’s father, built and in his ethos, a trust in “feeling” your way forward. As the business approaches 50 years in 2028, this feels less like change and more like continuity. We look to our grower friends at Harlan Estate, Vieux Télégraphe, Veuve Fourny and the Dezat family, who balance respect for legacy while innovating thoughtfully. We are proud to carry that same spirit forward. As a mother of two young boys, I value balance deeply. Flexibility, whether working from home or structuring hours around family life, is essential if we want to retain great people. Earlier in my career, I left a role feeling diminished rather than celebrated. It strengthened my resolve to lead differently, with respect and fairness. As Shonda Rhimes says, ‘Whenever you see me succeeding in one area of my life, that almost certainly means I am failing in another.’ Yet in her children’s world, ‘mothers work, and I am a better mother for it, because that person is fulfilled, that person is happy’.

I would love to nominate Beatrice Bessi. Bea is a trailblazer, passionate, knowledgeable and full of energy. She has raised her daughter largely single-handedly while leading one of London’s busiest dining destinations and shaping wine programmes internationally. She is a friend and an inspiration!