Our People
Nicholas Crampton
General Manager
A chance encounter in the mid 90's led to Nicholas's first restaurant gig. Progressing through a number of venues, Nicholas landed at the Observatory Hotel, running the wine program and enjoying highlights such as the millennium and Olympics. A character building move into internet retailer led to a marketing role at Southcorp wines.
Eight years managing brands from the very large to the very small honed an understanding and appreciation of the wine industry. After leaving in early 2009, Nicholas embarked on a crusade for modern and affordable regional wines that led to the creation of Echelon Wine Partners.
After twenty years, wine continues to intrigue and dazzle with current passions for Cornas and Rias Baixas meeting the long time favourites – White Burgundy and Barolo.
Mobile: 0417 670 655Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Andy Bell
NSW Sales Manager
Andy has worked in various positions across the Hospitality industry for nearly 20 years having worked in boutique hotels in England and restaurants in Australia.
His involvement in the industry started whilst studying design at university and continued after realising that after 5 years in the design industry, he preferred the vibrancy and fun of the hospitality world. Andy's career progressed after spending 3 years working in Sydney restaurants to working for a specialist restaurant marketing company in both Melbourne and Sydney.
In the 7 years in this position Andy developed relationships with many of the top restaurateurs across the country and learnt the finer intricacies of “Sales” A move into to the wine industry seemed a natural progression.
Mobile: 0400 755 738Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Ross Marshall
Senior Area Manager
Ross grew up in Penguin, on the North Coast of Tasmania, and after a brief travelling stint in Europe and the US, he moved to Melbourne.
Ross' first real sojourn into the world of wine was when he began working for Langton's Wine Auctions, where he stayed for 5 years learning all he could from the extensive and unique experience of his Langton's colleagues.
Whilst completing a Bachelor of Wine Marketing and Business through Adelaide University, Ross worked vintage with Mitchelton and in roles for various wine companies in Melbourne including sales, investment, wine consulting and storage, and eventually joined Echelon Wine Partners 11 years after his wine career began. Ross also enjoys football and barracks for the pies, travelling, is a fair weather surfer and enjoys a good bottle of Burgs (or anything else...).
Mobile: 0400 924 119Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Deb Leihn
Senior Area Manager
Deb's passion for wine began following spending 2 years working overseas indulging in some of the best food and wine Europe has to offer.
On her return to Australia, she ran her own catering business and graduated as a Sommelier in 2004. Deb finds working in the wine industry highly rewarding and enjoys the aspect that there is always more to learn.
Deb worked for 3 years with Treasury Wine Estates before joining Echelon. She is excited to be a part of a unique new venture which offers high quality and affordable international wines to customers and consumers.
Mobile: 0448 900 101Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Dean Kornman
Senior Area Manager
Dean started his career in hospitality working in 4 and 5 star hotels. A week end tour to the Hunter with a group of fellow hospitality students sparked an interest in wine which turned into a passion.
A natural progression into the wine industry found Dean working with large well-known brands as well as many boutiques wineries. A trip to Champagne and Burgundy reinforced Dean’s love for wine and is to date one of his most treasure experiences. Last year saw Dean complete his WSET level three with the hope to continue onto the diploma. One day Dean would like to get involved in wine education to help pass on his knowledge and passion to others.
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