The Tasting Panel magazine

July 2016

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INDUSTRY UPDATES 34  /  the tasting panel  /  july 2016 Meet the Team Draga Culic, Brand Director W ith almost 14 years in the spirits industry, Draga Culic worked most recently in Commercial Planning and Activation for Diageo, a BTL marketing role supporting Tanqueray, Baileys, Godiva and PIMMS nationally, which involved implementing advertising campaigns into commercial propositions in on- and off-premise accounts across the U.S. Draga also worked at Beam Suntory, FIJI Water and Bacardi, manag- ing both national and regional chains (Walmart, Safeway and BevMo!) within Category Development. At Niche Import Co., she will oversee the Marketing Department activities while managing Mamont Vodka, Mezan Rum, Château Mukhrani Georgian Wines, Barr an Uisce Irish Whiskey and Schlumberger Sparkling Wine. You can contact Draga at dculic@ourniche.com. Tom Wagstaff, National Sales Manager T om Wagstaff joined Niche Import Co. in January as their National Sales Manager. He comes to Niche with significant industry experience in all aspects of brand development, national sales execution and customer/distributor management. Tom is very excited to be a part of Niche's growing organization! You can reach Tom at twagstaff@ourniche.com. Deanna Claudio, Bärenjäger Brand Manager W ith over seven years of experience in the spirits marketing industry, Deanna now manages the Bärenjäger brand here in the U.S., including its marketing strategies and retail programs. Previously Deanna worked on Jägermeister's first national sampling campaign, as well as new product launches for Pinnacle Vodka, Deykyper Crave and Giovanni Rana Pasta. You can reach Deanna at dclaudio@ourniche.com. Jenny Manger, Digital Marketing Manager & Events Coordinator N ew to the beverage industry, Jenny most recently served as a Digital Producer and Campaign Manager for Victoria's Secret, with a background in digital media and event management. In her new role, she will be responsible for managing all events/ trade shows, digital marketing, social media and public relations for the entire Niche Import Co. portfolio, as well as marketing activities for all third-party brands. You can contact Jenny at jmanger@ourniche.com. Amanda Potishnak, Junior Sales Manager W ith over 11 years in the wine industry with a background in sales, consigner relations and retail fulfilment, Amanda brings extensive experience and management skills to the sales team. A South Jersey native and a college graduate of Rowan University, Amanda is excited to be a part of the Niche Import Co. You can reach Amanda at apotishnak@ourniche.com. Brian C. Johnson, Northeast Regional Manager (CT, MA & RI) W ith 22 years in the alcohol industry, Brian enjoys building quality relationships with his customers through satisfying their needs and establishing his brands as their favorite option. Personable, energetic and sales-driven, he is an eternal optimist and a true champion of the underdog. He is an avid Boston sports fan and loves to play golf, guitar and sing. He is blessed with a wonderful wife, an amazing son and a close-knit circle of family and friends. You can contact Brain at bjohnson@ourniche.com. Allie Gard, Southern California Market Manager A llie moved to Los Angeles in 2010 and is originally from Colorado Springs, CO. Before joining the Niche Family, she worked for the Boston Beer Company as a Brewery Representative. Prior to entering the alcohol business, she was a personal trainer and group exercise instructor. She attended Providence College where she played D1 basketball, and earned a Bachelor's degree in finance, as well as a Master's degree in counseling psychology. Allie's favorite Niche product is Bepi Tosolini Amaretto. You can reach Allie at agard@ourniche.com. N iche Import Co., a Marussia Beverages Company and an importer and distributor of international wine and spirit specialties, has added a number of new team members recently. Get to know them here! NICHE IMPORT CO., A MARUSSIA BEVERAGES COMPANY, ADDS NEW MEMBERS TO TEAM

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