Ben Stuart

Background

About Ben Stuart

Dynamic and enthusiastic drinks industry professional with extensive background in premium spirits and wine businesses. I'm particularly fond of malt whisky and gin alongside the great wines of Hawke's Bay and the Loire Valley, but am easily excited about nearly all things alcoholic. I am an effective communicator and highly regarded public speaker, with a background in advocacy, training/development and commercial strategy, with a focus on the premium on-trade, independents and RTM wholesalers. I take an innovative approach to sales and marketing with experience working in incubator and mature markets with limited resource. With a deep product knowledge across a broad range of categories and brands, and a great understanding of how brands with a strong heritage and compelling stories can operate with success in a modern world, I bring a pragmatic approach to any role, and will find creative solutions to the most challenging of problems. I help premium drinks brands bring their message and story to life with trade professionals and consumers alike, through my infectious enthusiasm and the ability to understand when an audience needs a compelling story or a more technical approach. When not highly engaged in the world of drinks I am riding motorbikes, letting my seven-year old beat me at rugby, playing high-energy drums and going on (very) long walks.