Stolen Rum hires bright young talent to drive growth

Stolen Rum Press Release: 31/07/2012

Stolen Rum hires bright young talent to drive local and international business growth

Since it’s humble conception in a Mt Eden flat in 2009, New Zealand boutique rum house Stolen Rum has made considerable headway. From selling just one case a month in 2010 (delivered on foot), to selling 300 cases (9L cases – the market benchmark) a month to top bars, restaurants and hotels around New Zealand and Australia just two short years later. Sales for 2012 are on course to grow a projected 250% on 2011, in part facilitated by a distribution deal signed with world liquor giant Beam Global NZ in April last year - an unprecedented milestone for a spirits company of this size and age.

Although rapt with this initial success, and thrilled with the positive consumer response, the guys at Stolen Rum won’t rest until they see their brand stomp an international footprint. Current plans on the table include achieving a break-even product business in the New Zealand market by 2013, another product launch for New Zealand in 2012 and further expansion into Australia where the internationally acclaimed rums have been well received - Stolen Rum has been nominated for ‘Best New Launched Product’ at the prestigious Australian Bar Awards on September 25th. Overseas interest in Stolen Rum has been constant, with enquiries from distributors in various countries that have led to distribution opportunities being pursued in USA, UK and South America.

A key part of this international growth strategy is to arm the company with an arsenal of young, talented and driven individuals, and establish a solid base in New Zealand and Australia to extend into other markets from.

In recent months Stolen Rum have made two exciting new hires to help with its growth plans. Most recently was Chris Harrop as National Sales Director. Chris has come on-board to work with Stolen Rum’s distributor Beam Global NZ to grow the brand in New Zealand after a very successful launch, to achieve the ambitious New Zealand sales targets for New Zealand and to set an international sales platform from which to expand from. On his recent hire Chris says, “What attracted me to Stolen Rum was that it was a young, innovative business, with big global goals and a passionate, dedicated team".

Prior to his position with Stolen Rum, Chris worked as the National Brand Ambassador for global liquor corporate Pernod Ricard. As a result of this position and behind the bar experience Chris has a wealth of industry knowledge, a huge network of industry contacts, and serious clout within the bartender community – he won New Zealand’s 2008 Bartender of the Year award. Stolen Rum co-founder Jamie Duff explains; “Chris is an extremely passionate, talented and highly respected individual in the hospitality industry. He understand brands and alcohol intimately and has a big picture mentality”.

Another exciting addition to the Stolen Rum team is Katie Du Fall as Marketing Manager. Katie joined the Stolen Rum team in November of last year and arrived with two and a half years of global marketing experience with New Zealand founded, international burger moguls BurgerFuel where she worked under marketing legend Josef Roberts. Previous to BurgerFuel Katie was employed at Red Bull whilst completing a Communications degree at the Auckland University of Technology.

In a largely male dominated industry, Katie brings a feminine perspective to Stolen Rum, and with excellent communications skills and background, she has become a highly valued member of the Stolen Rum team. Katie says she was intrigued by the brand from the outset; “I remember 18 months prior to my employment with Stolen Rum attending the launch party for the Gold rum, I was completely captivated by the aesthetics and language of the brand. I knew then Stolen Rum was a company I wanted to be a part of”.

Stolen Rum Co-founder Jamie Duff explains the importance of acquiring key people early on in the business to help drive it forward and reach its potential; “We have strategically hired individuals that share the same ambitious and innovative spirit to achieve our goals and propel Stolen Rum from a local brand, to a global success story. These guys can see what we are trying to achieve, and want to be part of the journey”.

The Stolen Rum story may still only be in its infancy, but it is already reading with true grit, determination, talent and ambition. The future for Stolen Rum is an exciting one. Buckle up.

STOLEN Rum White and Gold are available at all good liquor retailers, bars and restaurants nationwide.

www.stolenrum.com

ENDS

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