Stuart Gregor is one of Australia’s better-known professional drinkers and talkers. Following a 20- year career working with many leading drinks, travel and food brands, Stu co-founded Aussie gin distillery Four Pillars in 2013. Four Pillars has become one of the distilling world’s recent success stories, becoming Australia’s No.1 craft spirit and in 2019 collecting the industry’s ultimate accolade, the International Gin Producer of the Year at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London.
Current Work:
Four Pillars is widely recognized as having revolutionized the gin market in Australia and in 2019 LION, part of the global KIRIN Group took a 50% ownership stake in the business. Stu remains the leader of the Four Pillars global commercial team and its leading ambassador. He also remains the President of the Australian Distillers Association, a position he has held since 2014.
Over recent years he has also earned a reputation as an MC, auctioneer, commentator and occasional speaker on the subject of himself and some of his more colourful exploits; particularly in the worlds of gin, marketing, small business, journalism and what it takes to turn a passionate hobby (drinking) into a viable business career.
Stuart is also co-owner of luxury travel firm Gregor & Lewis, with his sister Melinda.
Previous Experience:
Stuart’s background is in journalism, small business, drinks and communications - having written multiple wine guides, founded Australia’s leading lifestyle public relations business Liquid Ideas, and worked closely with a couple of Australia’s most innovative and disruptive not-for-profit start-ups - RUOK? Day and OzHarvest.
Public Relations: In the world of public relations, he founded Liquid Ideas in 2000, was the inaugural Chair of the Public Relations Council (2012-2014) and the PR industry Leader of the Year in 2014. Liquid Ideas has won multiple awards and widespread recognition for its campaigns for clients as diverse as Singapore Airlines, Victoria Bitter, RUOK? Day, Canadian Club and Rexona.
Education: Stuart has a Diploma of Wine Marketing (Adelaide), Master of Marketing (Melbourne) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Board Appointments: Stuart sat on the board of Australia’s leading food waste organization Oz Harvest from 2012-2019.
Talking Points
The Four Pillars Story
How three blokes decided one day the world needed its greatest gin to come from Australia. And somehow they have achieved that goal. Stu can share the stories, both hilarious and occasionally salutary of the journey from mate’s winery in 2013 to global success just six years later. And there’s always a G&T at the end (or better still, the beginning). This can also feature a tutored tasting of up to four gins.
The Four Pillars Story
Passion, Purpose and Politeness in Business
How the bottom line will look after itself if you care enough about your job and others; if you are nice to (almost) everyone along the way and how being decent, honest and real is the new business paradigm.
Passion, Purpose and Politeness in Business
The Marketing Myth
Why almost all “marketing” is essentially bullshit. And the answer to the age-old question - is all publicity good publicity? And a couple of examples of why the best and biggest brands of the future will not be those of the past.
The Marketing Myth
I Can’t Find a Real Auctioneer But Need to Raise a lot of Money
Call Stuart - he will solve your problem.
I Can’t Find a Real Auctioneer But Need to Raise a lot of Money
Virtual Gin Masterclass
The brilliant team at Four Pillars have put together a Virtual Gin Masterclass to invite you into their world of delicious gin and drinks.Virtual Gin Masterclass
Before your masterclass attendees will receive a pack of essentials (including gin of course) and list a few simple bits and pieces you will need. Stu, or another member of their team, will then join you and your group online to kick into the gin fun! Whether you’d like to learn about gin with an at-home tasting, learn to make some cocktails, your hosts will be there to guide you and ensure good times all around.
Stuart Gregor from Liquid Ideas provided a resounding “cut-through” presentation to the recent ALSA Conference in Darwin. Stuart’s “pull no punches,” entertaining & down to earth presentati ... keep reading Australian Liquor Store Association
Stu Gregor has donated his skills and time to be our auctioneer for our signature event, Children’s Cancer Institute’s Diamond Ball since 2013; in this time he has personally helped to raise in excess of $1million directly through the live auction prizes and wine game - for us this is the difference between an event achieving success or not. But even more than the funds raised, Stu brings an energy, dynamism, humour and compassion to the night that is an integral part of the emotional journey of our guests - he is both entertainment of the highest calibre and a fundraising machine as an auctioneer. I cannot imagine us now running this dinner successfully without Stu - he brings an honesty and quality that reminds our guests why they are there and releases the sadness of stories of kids with cancer - this is an extraordinary talent and we are so appreciative of his support - a special man with a quick wit and a very big heart.
Not content with being the original master of the wine options game, Stuart Gregor has now fashioned himself into one of Australia’s most entertaining charity auctioneers. His style is unconventional - ranging from charming and witty to cajoling, wheedling, haranguing and slightly manic even - but also extremely funny. More importantly he is extremely effective at persuading guests to continue bidding long past the point they probably should thus ensuring a result for our auction at Second Bite’s Waste Not Want Dinner that far exceeded our expectations.
Where auctions at charity events can often alienate much of the room who aren’t bidding leading to chatting and thus impacting on the effectiveness of the auction, Stuart’s approach makes for a great spectacle that captures the attention of the room. While the fact that he is also extremely funny means that those lucky winning bidders are invariably delighted when the item is knocked down to them, and smiling when they part with the money. Something I think is crucial to maintaining that positive relationship between guests and the charity.
Stu had the perfect mix of industry cred, charisma and subject matter knowledge - he’s the first, and last, place we’ll look for any marketing events I’m involved in going forward, class act.
Stuart Gregor recently spoke at our MFA 5+ Inspiration Event. He spoke on the topic of BRAND YOU! He was extremely engaging and entertaining. A big personality, with authentic characteristics than resonated with the 250 people who attended. Some of the comments were: - Great speaker! Gave out life advice like candies! - Great style and down to earth and relatable - He is the “class clown” and he is a true blue honest person, which is refreshing! He nailed the topic, and personalised with many life experiences.
Stuart Gregor has donated his services as MC and auctioneer at our annual gala dinner (Cerebral Palsy Alliance’s major fundraising event) on a number of occasions. Stuart is always highly entertaining, energetic and engaging. He held the attention of a large and boisterous crowd whom he engaged in a highly profitable auction and event which raised over $2 million on the night. The feedback from our guests confirmed Stuart’s humour, charisma and skill as both public speaker and auctioneer. He is pure gold!!!
