Rob Geddes MW has sold Winestream to Winestream's Senior PR Manager Alex Gilson, who has worked with Winestream for the past 4 years, and Kylie Teasdell, former General Manager Sales & Marketing for Hungerford Hill.
This new force in wine marketing and media communications will be known as ‘Winestream Communications’. Kylie and Alex will not only bring new energy to the business, but will offer a greater range of marketing services and a more international approach to PR.
“I knew when I began writing my first book that there were several more in me,” says Rob Geddes of his recently released first book A Good Nose and Great Legs. “I have already started to write my second book, The 26th Edition of Australian Wine Vintages, in conjunction with Robin Bradley. Writing about wine and running a busy communications company was pushing too many boundaries. The opportunity to sell my business to my most loyal and long term employee Alex, and long time friend and former client Kylie, was one I couldn’t let pass by. They are great people, full of energy, passion and good sense. They have what it takes to take the business to the next level.”
Kylie brings more than 15 years international wine marketing experience to the company and will assume the role of Managing Director. Alex who originated from the UK wine trade has developed excellent relationships with international media over the past 12 years in the industry and will take over as Account Director.
“It has been an amazing experience working with Rob over the last 4 years and I know that it will be an invaluable asset in helping me fulfil my career-long dream of owning and running a busy media relations business. Kylie and I share the same passion for the wine industry and complement each other on a number of levels. Our plan is to put Winestream and the brands we work with on the map,” says Alex Gilson.
“With a background in wine marketing and having worked on the client side of the industry for many years, I felt I could bring skills to a business that has always excelled in media relations yet have been less focussed on brand building and international marketing. The new Winestream Communications business will now offer a full range of services that meets the needs and expectations of brand owners in a highly competitive world where brand visibility is key to success,” says Kylie Teasdell.
Winestream was founded in 1997 by Adrian Read, Lesley Ann Grimoldby and Craig McCarthy and sold to Rob Geddes in 2003. During this time Winestream has established itself as a one of Australia’s leading specialist wine industry marketing and media relations companies. Its main focus is on getting its clients product, brand or services seen, understood and remembered by the consumer.
Brand building and media relations, which are both vital components in any overall marketing strategy, are the key services offered by Winestream. Winestream consults to large and small wineries and offers media relations services both in the domestic and international wine market.