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The Giesen Team
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The Brothers - Theo, Alex and Marcel |
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| If it weren't for the heat and the snakes, the Giesen brothers could well have settled in Australia. But after suffering in 40 degree temperatures and an incident involving a snake in a swimming pool, Theo Giesen decided that New Zealand was a more attractive option. Australia's loss has been New Zealand's gain. | |
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Theo and Alex were the first to arrive in New Zealand on their equivalent of an OE. They had initially planned to start a stone company, along similar lines to their family business back in Germany, but instead they bought land in Burnham, just outside of Christchurch, and planted vines. At the time, it was the southern most vineyard in the world . . . and many people thought they were a little crazy. |
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While the brothers had some experience in growing grapes - their family had ‘hobby' vines back in Germany - neither Theo nor Alex knew how to make wine. So it was up to Marcel to learn. Four years later, Marcel, now a qualified winemaker, joined his brothers in New Zealand.
A lot has changed since those early days, but even though they are now old hands at the business, the brothers are all still very involved. They work closely with the winemaking and vineyard team, and they all still get a kick out of producing world class wine. The thrill of a new vintage never goes away. |
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Jim Veitch - General Manager
Jim has been involved in everything from grocery retailing (he's the former CEO of Progressive Enterprises) to importing and distribution. He's also one of the people who originally launched Countdown supermarkets - in fact it was his wife who came up with the name ‘Countdown'.
So what attracted him to Giesens? The people, the wine and the opportunity to be part of the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Story. |
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Wayne King - Production Manager
Wayne joined the team in February 2000 when the Giesens were looking for a mechanical engineer to keep their bottling plant running.
Originally from Invercargill Wayne completed an engineering apprenticeship and gained advanced trade qualifications. He then went on to mechanical design draughting and obtained NZCE: Mechanical. He has also spent 5 years as a shift engineer responsible for an ammonia refrigeration plant.
Prior to Giesens Wayne's main work experience was within the meat industry. He had found the wine industry to be challenging and rewarding as a result of Giesen continued growth. Whilst Wayne openly admits he is not a winemaker he is sure that Andrew appreciates his input ! |
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Kyle Skene - Giesen Sales ManagerKyle joined the Giesen team in April 2009 in a newly created role of Sales Manager. Previous roles more recently have included Sales Management and National Key Account Management with Multi National Businesses such as Coca- Cola Amatil, Maxxium New Zealand and Beam Global Wines and Spirits. In the last decade Kyle has developed a strong link to New Zealand wine having been involved in domestic sales of brands such as Oyster Bay Wines, Delegat’s Wine Estate, Saint Clair Family Estate and Giesen Wine. |
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Dennis Jones - Company Accountant - New Zealand
Dennis joined Giesen in 2002. His main task is to manage the company’s resources in support of the continuing rapid growth of the business. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in UK, and worked there until 1982 when he got the travel bug, and spent the next 12 years in South Africa. He moved to New Zealand in 1995. A keen sportsman, he plays golf, tennis and soccer. He also enjoys tramping in the beautiful New Zealand National Parks.
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Carol Wood and Sally Steele
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