Belinda Jackson - "BJ on Wine"

 www.belindjackson.com

Belinda arrived in New Zealand in 1995 to the role of National Wine Manager for NZ Liquor ‐ responsible for the buying, ranging and promotion of wine for New Zealand’s largest retail liquor chain, Liquorland. Other responsibilities at that time included valuable sponsorships, international wine competitions and the resulting exclusive award ceremonies.  Head‐hunted by Glengarry Hancocks Ltd in 1999, Belinda joined the family owned group and took responsibility for the European wine‐buying. She and her team were also responsible for the wine education programme, corporate business and two prestigious brands – Krug Champagne and Riedel glassware.

Belinda left Glengarry in March 2001 and worked as an independent wine consultant. Her projects included strategic branding and marketing, tutoring, copy writing, wine evaluation, media and chairing tastings.  In March 2004, Belinda was approached by a leading Marlborough winery and accepted the role of General Manager. Her role included responsibility for all aspects of the business but with particular emphasis on branding and marketing.  Belinda also introduced HR systems and a number of other initiatives that contributed to the company’s success.

At the end of the year, Belinda returned to consulting, wanting to use her experience to add value to a number of clients. Her projects include specialised branding work, marketing, blending, PR and media, sponsorships, distribution, wine evaluation and sourcing, copy writing and more.  2009 is Belinda’s fifth year as Director of the Liquorland Top 100 International Wine Competition giving her responsibility for one of NZ’s leading wine shows.  This activity along with regular tasting panels ensures she is up to date with the market, wines and wine styles. She was also a panellist for Cuisine magazine for two years.