Drinks industry veteran James Atkinson will take over as Media & Communications Manager at Spirits & Cocktails Australia as Nicole Lestal is promoted to Communications & Program Director.
The former editor of industry titles TheShout and Brews News joins the association with extensive drinks media experience working as a journalist, copywriter and PR advisor over the past 12 years.
A career highlight for Atkinson was this year being shortlisted for the IWSC Spirits Communicator Of The Year Trophy for his popular Drinks Adventures podcast.
Greg Holland, Chief Executive of Spirits & Cocktails Australia, said the association is delighted to welcome James to the team at a time of upheaval for the industry.
“James’ knowledge, talent and experience in the drinks industry will be a valuable asset to our small but mighty team.
“He’s already hit the ground running with a flurry of media activity on the next excise hike, which will hit an unfathomable $100 per litre of alcohol on 1 August.
“I look forward to James continuing to work with Members and distillers across Australia to enhance our advocacy and industry profile,” he said.
Atkinson said he’s excited to contribute to reforms in the industry and begin a new phase in his more than a decade-long career in an industry he still loves.
“I am already impressed with the professionalism and passion of my colleagues in Spirits & Cocktails and the Australian Distillers Association.
“I have particularly relished the opportunity to contribute to their campaign for spirits excise reform, as it is abundantly clear that Australian spirits are on the precipice of being a global export powerhouse if we can get the policy settings right,” he said.
Assuring fans of his Drinks Adventure podcast, Atkinson concluded: “I am delighted to confirm that it will keep going with Spirits & Cocktails’ blessing, which is a brilliant outcome for all concerned.”
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