Walter Carrington Palk Email & Phone Number

Stellenbosch, Wc, Za

Malaysia

Curate and manage comprehensive wine lists, including Nadodi, a Michelin-selected restaurant.Conduct regular staff training on wine knowledge, service standards, and pairing techniques.Recommend wine pairings tailored to enhance guest dining experiences.Oversee wine inventory management, including supplier relations and stock levels.Establish and maintain wine service SOPs to ensure consistent, high-quality service.Lead group-wide beverage negotiations, securing optimal pricing and product availability.Implement streamlined inventory and ordering systems across all locations for operational efficiency.Represent the company at industry master classes and expos to enhance brand presence and networking.

Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa

Developed and executed targeted marketing campaigns to promote wine sales and farm events.Managed social media platforms and content creation, enhancing the wine farm’s digital presence.Coordinated public relations efforts, including press releases and media collaborations, to boost brand visibility.Collaborated with sales teams to optimize product placement and expand market reach.Oversaw the design and production of marketing materials, ensuring consistent brand messaging.Managed partnerships with tourism companies to drive visitor engagement and promote wine tourism.

Zanzibar South & Central, Tanzania

Managed ZMMI's Bar & Wine Academy, providing industry-standard training and education.• Oversaw all marketing efforts, including social media management, content creation, monthly newsletters,and web design.• Collaborated with the sales team to drive market growth and enhance customer engagement.• Designed and curated wine menus, aligning selections with market trends and customer preferences.• Conducted market research to guide strategic decision-making and align offerings with industry trends.• Built and maintained strong supplier and customer relationships to support business objectives.• Optimized retail store operations to improve the customer experience and maximize sales.

Sabi Sand

- Conducted private wine tastings, offering tailored experiences to enhance guest satisfaction.• Managed all beverage operations, including inventory control, supplier coordination, and quality assurance.• Oversaw staff training and development to ensure exceptional service standards across the property.• Supported overall property operations to deliver a seamless and memorable guest experience.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Appointed as the 1st sommelier within the group; part of the opening team for a world class fine dining establishment. Responsible for creating and updating a fashionable wine list while managing costs. Training staff on wine knowledge, services, and the menu. Interacting with guests to recommend wine pairings. Managing inventory and establishing relationships with suppliers. Ensuring wine quality and proper serving techniques. Delivering excellent service throughout the dining experience. Continuing education and research on wine. Creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for efficient operations.

Gauteng, South Africa

Created memorable wine event experiences and developed premium wine events for high-end guests. Presented estate gifting options to Sun International's VVIP guests. Built relationships with industry leaders, increasing product listings and viability. Established a region CRM database and interconnected database for automated mailers. Curated customized events at premium outlets and maintained relationships with re-distributors, securing new listings in premium on-con environments.

Johannesburg Area, South Africa

As part of the project team, involved in planning and opening a trendy upmarket Restaurant/Bar. Responsible for liquor choices, endorsements, and event sponsorships. Worked closely with liquor suppliers like Distell, RGBC, AB_InBev, Pernod Richard, Diageo, DGB, and Meridian. Established organizational structures using Google Drive and AirTable. Planned cocktail mixology and wine menus. Developed and executed social media strategies. Managed online listings sites. Created business plans for marketing, sales, and brand management. Forecasted events and activations within budget projections. Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various departments, including front of house and back of house.

Johannesburg Area, South Africa

Focused on enhancing the capabilities of the bar by re-evaluating brands, activations, events, and artist involvement. Worked closely with liquor suppliers like Distell, RGBC, AB_InBev, Pernod Richard, Diageo, DGB, and Meridian. Achieved a 30% increase in bar revenue over an 8-month period. Implemented organizational structures using platforms such as Google Drive and AirTable. Collaborated with various brands to create memorable events and activations. Developed and executed social media strategies. Created business plans for marketing, sales, and brand management. Provided staff training in wine, cocktails, spirits, and service. Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various departments, including front of house and back of house.

Maldives

Conducted wine knowledge and service training for staff at an island resort. Hosted wine and bar-related events for resort guests. Promoted, sold, and expanded the company's extensive portfolio of international wines, liquors, beers, beverages, cigars, shisha, glassware, and accessories.

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Developed effective business plans and negotiated fiscal contracts with key accounts and distribution channels. Built premium brands to drive sustainable profitable growth, focusing on product mix, pricing, promotional strategy, and channel mix. Identified opportunities to align luxury brands with influencers and key outlets. Demonstrated category and industry knowledge, meeting sales targets through volume and maintaining positive growth. Conceptualized and executed trade and out-of-trade events. Managed budget spend to achieve sales targets, reporting on sales and ROI. Ensured availability, accessibility, and activation of premium brands. Developed and maintained relationships with key accounts, distribution channels, and customers.

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Demonstrated strong communication skills to collaborate with team members and provide efficient guest service. Coordinated and assisted in creating estate marketing materials. Hosted site inspections, lunches, and guided tours for visitors. Supervised and assisted with photoshoots for the estate. Supported the planning and execution of premium events and seasonal packages. Updated the estate's website and managed social media accounts. Represented the estate at industry events. Acted as a liaison with front of house and housekeeping to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) manuals.

Wine tasting and salesAttending wine exhibitionsWine Club managementGeneral administration required in the tasting roomVineyard and cellar toursTutored wine tastings and hosting wine dinnersLogistics and preparation of all wine ordersSupply management

Oxford, United Kingdom

2 Year Gap Period Job. • Mixing Drinks: make syrups, infusions, tinctures, mixed drinks, and cocktails of all types to fulfill customer orders.• Entertain and Educate Guests: Entertain guests while mixing drinks, talking to customers about spirits and offering trivia and history about various alcohols to keep customers engaged and enjoying themselves.

International Diploma In International Hospitality Management, Hospitality

Activities and Societies: Subjects passed: Service Basics, Culinary Arts, Menu Management, Food Safety, Food and Beverage, English.

Matric, Subjects Around Tourism, Hospitality Management & Computer Studies, Grade 12

Activities and Societies: Achievements: - Chairman of the Hotel Council for 2 years. - Serving member of the Hotel Council for 3 years.